ROA Accessibility Pledge 2026
Redbridge Outdoor Arts is committed to reviewing and developing our accessibility offer across the programme, making our shows more inclusive for D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent audiences.
We want everyone to be able to enjoy our events and have taken the following steps to welcome wider participation:
Image credit: Ru Annais
- We collaborate with artists and local specialist organisations to provide pre-show familiarisation sessions for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), as well as neurodiverse adults.
- We partner with Barkingside Art Club who provide inclusive audience engagement workshop sessions and support children with Autism.
- We programme artists and performers who integrate BSL (British Sign Language) and Touch Tours into their shows, disabled-led artists, and theatre companies. Many shows are non-verbal; all are relaxed.
- Our performance spaces are wheelchair accessible, and Assistance Dogs are welcome. We reserve priority viewing areas, where our friendly festival stewards are on hand to assist.
- At our Barkingside location we provide an outdoor respite pod for children who may need it, and inside Fullwell Cross Library there’s specialist sensory equipment.
- We offer Easy-Read/Visual Story documents for all shows and distribute them ahead of time to organisations and schools, as well as at our shows.
- We are developing relationships with local disabled people’s organisations and groups and will continue to collaborate with them to provide relevant, inclusive, and enjoyable experiences.
How we grew our accessibility offer in 2025:
- We have a designated access information point at our events which have clear and accessible signage and alternative programme formats.
- By providing BSL interpreted performances at selected shows and distributing promotional materials in BSL.
- By welcoming adults with learning disabilities to our team of volunteers.
- By meeting and listening to families with access needs at disability focused local events.
Our goals for 2026:
- Providing information on accessible toilets and quiet spaces at performance locations.
- Creating a directory of local accessible choices of shops and businesses for our artists and audience.
- To achieve bronze status in the Attitude is Everything Live Events Charter by December.
Feedback from our audiences in 2025:
- “Great space with plenty of movement for wheelchair user.”
- “Good fun, word destroyer was great entertainment, non-verbal and we haven’t seen a show like this before :)”
- “It was really lovely – very accessible and the kids seemed to really enjoy it – very interactive”
- “We enjoyed the show, easily accessible.”
- “Organised well. Very inclusive. Loved the sign language interpreter.”
If you have specific accessibility requests, suggestions, or concerns, please contact Sarah at culture@visionrcl.org.uk so that we can work together to meet your needs.
