It’s practically summer. And for some the temperatures are already there. Summer brings outdoor festivals and changes.
If you are like me, you don’t let anything get in your way. Including outdoor festivals that don’t always think about all of their possible ticket buyers. Those that do take everyone into consideration reap the rewards. Here’s a few quick tips if you are venturing out.
- Check out the event’s website to see what accessible features they have. For those that may need more share or occasional cool areas, check the site or contact the group to see what they offer. Some events will have a cooling tent or building.
- Learn about the terrain. If you use a manual or electric wheelchair or scooter, or uneven terrain, find out more and if the group offers shuttles or rovers to get around the grounds easier. This also helps some depending on how big the grounds are and where the handicap parking is.
- If you do have mobility limits, consider taking a friend or a personal care attendant(PCA). Contact the group to see if they offer a discount on a second ticket or give you a second ticket for a PCA for free.
Just because we may have a disability, it should not stop us from enjoying everything possible. We just have to be more diligent in the planning and if necessary letting others know what they can do to help.
If you’ve followed my writings over the years, you know I am passionate about a summer event called Lifest in Oshkosh. This year promises to be the most accessible the event has ever been. I’ve been vocal and offering my help to make the event better. Plus the volunteer staff are always pleasant and willing to help. May 31st is the next ticket cut off date, so if you want to land some tickets at a lower cost that at the gate, now is the time.
Let’s show these events we do want to see great artists in the great outdoors.
Also on the summer agenda for most is swimming. Wanting to take a dip in a pool? Because so many people were confused over the new ADA regulations that were suppose to be in effect in March, the Justice Department is allowing owners of public pools until January 31st, 2013 to meet the new guidelines. Which most, if they had even thought about it and their customers, would have already had their pools in compliance. Of course that is just one person’s thought.
Be vocal, in a positive way. Don’t point out the mistakes or harp on the problems, but offer solutions. Business, unless they have great people on staff, may not know how to full adapt to the entire population around them.
