Vivid Sydney is a renowned festival of lights. It’s also committed to providing an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all attendees, including people with accessibility needs.
From May 26 to June 17, the festival is offering a range of accessibility facilities, services, and programs to ensure everyone can fully participate and engage with the event and its projections and art.
LiveBig is a specialist allied health and assessment services provider for people with disability, including those on an NDIS plan. CEO Juliet Middleton emphasises the significance of inclusive events like Vivid Sydney.
“At LiveBig, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy and experience cultural festivals such as Vivid Sydney. We commend Vivid Sydney for their commitment to accessibility and their efforts in creating an inclusive environment for people with disabilities.”
Vivid Sydney provides various services and amenities that cater to individuals with disabilities. Here are some expert tips from LiveBig on how to make the most of the festival:
- Attend Vivid Ideas’ Human Nature series – Join writers Clem Bastow and Emma A. Jane in conversation as they discuss receiving recent diagnoses of autism as adults. Their talk ‘Neurodivergence: Diagnosis Normal’ explores how diagnosis has helped them make sense of themselves and their pasts.
- Explore a specifically designed low-sensory itinerary – Starting from Tumbalong Park, visitors can experience installations from local artists while enjoying a calming walk with low-light that takes individuals towards Circular Quay passing through Barangaroo and Walsh Bay
- Use public transportation – Vivid Sydney is easily accessible through the city’s public transportation system. Make sure to have an Opal card or contactless payment method for convenient travel. The Transport for NSW website provides trip planners and accessibility information for public transport users.
- Book accessible minibus parking – Vivid Sydney offers complimentary accessible minibus parking for guests with accessibility requirements. Limited spots are available, so it’s important to book in advance through the Vivid Sydney website.
- Utilise designated accessible viewing areas – Along the Lightwalk, Vivid Sydney provides designated accessible viewing areas at specific locations. These areas offer unreserved seating, and visitors can bring blankets for added comfort and unobstructed views.
- Access audio descriptions and the Cinewav app – For individuals with visual impairments, Vivid Sydney offers audio descriptions of each Lightwalk installation. Visitors can access them through QR codes on the light boxes or the audio description webpage on the Vivid Sydney website. The Cinewav app allows for an audio-visual experience, and the first 100,000 downloads per night are free.
- Seek assistance from information booths – Throughout the festival, information booths staffed by knowledgeable volunteers are available to provide assistance and guidance. They offer online festival maps, program information, and helpful tips to enhance the Vivid Sydney journey.
- Take advantage of accessibility facilities – Vivid Sydney takes accessibility into account throughout the festival. Wheelchair hire services are available, installations are wheelchair accessible with ramps provided, and accessible toilet facilities and Changing Places facilities are conveniently located along the Lightwalk. Accessible drinking fountains and water refill stations are also provided, and pathways are designed to accommodate various needs.
- Attend with assistance animals – Vivid Sydney welcomes assistance animals in all areas of Circular Quay and The Rocks, ensuring a comfortable experience for all attendees.
- Contact the Vivid Sydney Team for specific accessibility requirements – For further information or specific accessibility requirements, visitors can reach out to the Vivid Sydney Team via email or phone. The team can be contacted at vivid.access@dnsw.com.au or (02) 9931 1190. The National Relay Service (NRS) is also available for individuals with hearing impairments.
“Like Vivid Sydney, our goal is to shine a light on the power of inclusion,” said Ms Middleton. “Through person-centred and individualised support, LiveBig strives to empower people with disabilities to live their best lives, breaking barriers and creating opportunities. We believe that by fostering an inclusive society, we illuminate the path towards a brighter, more accessible future for all.”
