Accessibility and the Eras Tour
27/03/24
A few weeks ago, you probably didn’t have to go far before you were seeing or hearing about the Taylor Swift Eras Tour. She is certainly a well-known artist with increasing popularity and influence around the globe. Even if you’ve never listened to a single song of hers, there is no doubt your social media feed, like mine, was full of photos of friends at her concert. Even if you’re not into her music, you’d have to admit, it seems like Tay Tay did not disappoint.
Whether we enjoy her musical and performance skills, or not, one thing we can appreciate about her concert was the fact that all people were welcome to attend. The organisers took deliberate steps to make sure that everyone, no matter their disability, had a good time. This was evident by the use of clear communication, available resources, and physical accommodations. There are some things we can learn from how Taylor’s concert was made accessible for people with disability, even amongst her largest crowd of 96,000 people.
Prior to the concert
Communication and relaying information were a key part of making the concert accessible. The venue websites had extensive pages dedicated to frequently asked questions, as well as clearly outlining and addressing potential needs of concert attendees. This included information on accessible parking, accessible entry points to the stadium, and how to find their designated seats. There was even information about bringing a guide dog and attending to the dog’s needs. Accor stadium included a social story, which outlined how to prepare for entering the venue, and accessing the facilities. You can view their social story here: https://accorstadium.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/02/22/AS_TaylorSwift_AccessibilitySocialStory.pdf
Prior information to attending the venue helps people with disability or those who are Neurodivergent prepare accordingly.
During the concert
Both Melbourne Cricket Ground and Accor Stadium have sensory rooms and quiet rooms for their neurodiverse patrons to access as needed. During the concert, these rooms served as a place for people to take a break in the event of being overwhelmed with the sensory input. Further to that, the venues provided sensory packs and ear plugs upon request. This meant that there was reduced stress and anxiety for concert goers as they were made aware of available facilities, especially if they forgot to bring anything or if an unexpected situation occurred.
For deaf patrons, there were interpreters on one of the evenings in both venues. The role of an interpreter was not to just interpret the songs word for word, but to capture the poetry and meaning being expressed. Rostered staff were also briefed on people in their area of the stadium and were aware of the needs and how to assist people with disability in case of emergency or as needed. Moreover, all people who went to watch Taylor perform live were celebrated and able to be a part of the action.
What can churches learn from this?
There are some other things we can reflect on from the example of Tay Tay. Churches may not have the funding or capacity to enable their buildings to have the same accessibility features as a multimillion-dollar venue, but there are some things worth considering.
Church websites can include a tab with all the information needed for people with disability to access ahead of a visit. Be sure to include photos, descriptions, and an invitation to give feedback or requests.
A social story, like what Accor stadium produced, is a helpful tool for someone to know what to expect, how to handle certain situations, and what they need to be prepared for.
The more clear and simple information a church can give someone on the church service or youth and kids programs, the better. This also aids for a cohesive approach to ministry – where staff, leaders, and attendees are all on the same page.
Churches can have resources available, such as fidget tools, ear plugs, paper to write or doodle on, even cushions and lap blankets. Creating a space or area that is not as loud or overwhelming is helpful, such as a sensory room (think parent rooms, but suitable for older children, teens, and/or adults) or somewhere away from the speakers or coffee machines. At Youthworks Leaders in Training (LiT), there was a sensory room with live feed, cushions, fidget tools, and low light for the campers who wanted to fully participate, but benefited from a space that was less overwhelming.
You can ask people with disability or their parents/carers on how best to make church accessible for them. Being able to implement strategies that are used in their home or school will help a young person at church.
Churches can also celebrate the people who come along, and to enjoy the diversity of the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12). Allowing people to come to church as they are, no matter what difference they bring will benefit the whole gathering as we strengthen each other in Christ. This may look like giving space and time for the people who need it, adjusting the area or program, and involving people with disability in elements of ministry.
You can read more about how to enable greater accessibility in your church in this handbook:
The Taylor Swift Eras Tour accommodated so many people, and no matter how many people with disability needed extra support or accommodation, there was still space for them to come and enjoy Taylor’s performance. They were seen as fellow participants in their love for Taylor Swift and were included, which benefited everyone.
There is greater blessing in ensuring that churches and their ministries are accessible and a place of welcome, inclusion, and belonging – where catering to the needs of people is seen as a joyful way to ensure all people can attend and benefit from being a part of the church community.
