About — Access Aligned

Why Access Aligned Exists

Access Aligned was created by a disabled accessibility consultant after years of navigating inaccessible environments, repeatedly requesting reasonable adjustments, and encountering the same barriers across venues, festivals, events, and organisations.

Over time, it became clear that many accessibility challenges stemmed from the same underlying problem: communication and planning are often fragmented, inconsistent, and difficult for everyone involved.

Through professional work supporting festivals and events with accessibility planning, I have seen first-hand how challenging accessibility can be for organisers. Most organisations genuinely want to improve accessibility, but many are trying to navigate an incredibly complex landscape. They are often balancing diverse access requirements, limited resources, operational constraints, venue limitations, safety considerations, legal responsibilities, and the practical realities of delivering a live event.

Questions such as: what adjustments are reasonable, what support should be prioritised, how should access requests be assessed fairly, and how can attendees receive consistent support are challenges faced by organisers every day.

At the same time, I understand the experience from the other side. As a disabled person, disabled musician, festival volunteer, and accessibility professional, I have experienced how accessibility barriers can affect participation in many different roles. The support someone needs backstage may look very different from the support they need in an audience, yet both are equally important.

This understanding has shaped Access Aligned from the beginning. The platform has been designed to support a wider range of experiences than traditional accessibility systems, recognising that people may engage with events in different ways — including as artists, performers, crew members, volunteers, and other participants whose access requirements are often overlooked.

Ultimately, Access Aligned exists because accessibility works best when everyone has the information they need to plan ahead. By improving communication, reducing uncertainty, and creating clearer pathways for support, I can help both disabled people and organisations spend less time navigating barriers and more time focusing on the event itself.

Raising Accessibility Standards

I believe accessibility should be proactive rather than reactive. Many organisations want to improve accessibility but lack the tools, systems, or confidence to do so consistently. At the same time, many disabled people continue to face unnecessary barriers that could be avoided through better planning and communication.

Access Aligned aims to help bridge that gap. I am working towards a future where accessibility is considered from the beginning of event planning rather than being added as an afterthought.

I also believe there are some accessibility standards that should no longer be optional. As the platform develops, participating organisations will be expected to meet minimum accessibility requirements and demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement.

My goal is not perfection. My goal is progress, accountability, and raising expectations across the live events sector.

Built With Disabled People, Not Just For Disabled People

Accessibility cannot be fully understood through policies, checklists, or assumptions alone. No single person, organisation, or expert can understand every access requirement, lived experience, or barrier. Access needs are diverse, individual, and constantly evolving.

That is why Access Aligned is designed to grow, adapt, and improve over time. The platform will be shaped by ongoing feedback from:

Disabled people
Neurodivergent people
People with long-term health conditions
Carers and support workers
Parents and guardians
Artists and performers
Crew members and volunteers
Venues, festivals, and event organisers

I believe the people who experience barriers are best placed to identify them. By listening, learning, and adapting, I can continue improving the platform and the standards it promotes.

Testing and Development

Access Aligned is currently in an early testing and development phase. The platform will be tested by both disabled users and organisations to ensure it works effectively in real-world situations. Their feedback will directly influence future development, helping me create practical solutions that work for the people who use them every day.

Accessibility is not something that can ever be fully finished. As technology changes, expectations evolve, and new barriers are identified, I intend for Access Aligned to evolve alongside them.

Our Values

Accessibility First — Accessibility is the foundation of everything I do, not an optional extra.
Dignity — Everyone deserves to access events and experiences without unnecessary barriers, repeated explanations, or loss of independence.
Trust — People should be able to share information confidently, knowing it will be handled responsibly and respectfully.
Transparency — Clear communication helps everyone make informed decisions and plan effectively.
Collaboration — Improving accessibility requires people with different experiences and perspectives working together.
Growth and Improvement — Accessibility is not static. I am committed to learning, adapting, and continuously improving based on feedback, lived experience, and changing needs.

Our Vision

I envision a future where accessibility information is easy to find, support requests are simple to manage, and attending an event does not require disabled people to fight for the adjustments they need.

A future where accessibility is expected, understood, and embedded into the planning of events from the very beginning.

A future where everyone can participate with greater confidence, independence, and dignity.