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Venues & Physical Spaces Accessibility in Live Music:

Venues & Physical Spaces Accessibility Guide using eAuditor with the “Venues and Physical Spaces” Section of the AccessKey Toolkit.

Creating a welcoming space for all guests begins long before the first note is played. From parking lots to washroom doors, each feature of your venue plays a role in shaping someone’s experience.

This guide shows you how to turn the Venues & Physical Spaces Accessibility section of the AccessKey Digital Toolkit into a smart, trackable inspection process using eAuditor Audits & Inspections. Whether you’re an event producer, venue manager, or accessibility coordinator, this approach will help you stay organized, responsive, and ahead of the curve.

  Why Start with the Physical Space?

Physical access is often the first barrier—and also the most visible. When attendees can easily find the entrance, use the washroom, or rest in a quiet spot, they’re more likely to return, tell others, and trust your Venues & Physical Spaces Accessibility for future events.

By using eAuditor to assess your space, you create:

• A clear picture of what’s accessible

• An action plan for what’s not

• A shareable report that builds trust

Step 1: Build Your eAuditor Template from AccessKey’s Venue Checklist

Start by creating a digital checklist in eAuditor with the following categories:

Exterior Access

• Is the venue address accurate and easy to find on maps?

• Are there accessible parking spaces and drop-off zones?

• Do nearby sidewalks and transit stops support mobility devices?

Add fields for photos and notes—especially for hard-to-spot features like curb cuts or loading zones.

Entrances and Exits

• Are doorways wide enough (3 ft minimum)?

• Are ramps available, and do they meet slope guidelines?

• Does automatic doors or wave buttons work?

Venue Story: At a small concert hall in Ottawa, staff realized that the ramp door was locked during weekday setups. Their eAuditor report helped them change protocol—keeping access open even when main doors were closed.

Interior Access Routes

• Are hallways and aisles free of clutter and cables?

• Does property has steps or uneven surfaces?

• Are ramps and elevators easy to find and use?

Use eAuditor’s measurement tool (if available) to track doorway widths or ramp grades, and add condition tags like “clear,” “partially blocked,” or “needs improvement.”

Lighting and Visibility

• Are exit signs well-lit and unobstructed?

• Is ambient lighting non-flickering and adjustable?

• Is there adequate lighting from doorways to seating and washrooms?

Quick Fix: One venue manager placed temporary LED strips along a dim hallway after an eAuditor walkthrough revealed the lighting was too low for seniors attending a matinee jazz performance.

Guest Services and Public Areas

• Is the box office at an accessible height?

• Are coat checks, merch booths, and service counters reachable?

• Is there secure space for strollers, walkers, or wheelchairs?

Tag locations that need staff assistance and use eAuditor’s comment section to suggest fixes or upgrades.

 Seating and Viewing Areas

• Are accessible seats close to entrances and exits?

• Is companion seating available?

• Are there any obstructions (e.g. pillars, railings)?

If your venue changes configuration (seated vs. standing shows), create separate templates in eAuditor for each layout.

Washrooms

• Are accessible stalls compliant with CSA or ADA guidelines?

• Do washrooms have automated fixtures (faucets, soap dispensers) and are they within reach?

• Are family restrooms or gender-neutral stalls available?

Take photos of both entrances and interiors—especially doors, grab bars, and signage.

Real Insight: A folk club in Winnipeg discovered their “accessible washroom” had a door that swung inward. Guests using wheelchairs couldn’t close it behind them. A $200 hardware change made a world of difference.

Signage and Wayfinding

• Is signage clear, readable, and available in large sans-serif fonts?

• Do temporary signs meet visual contrast standards?

• Are maps or venue guides available in print and digital formats?

Check for digital download options and test QR code scans on-site.

Sensory-Friendly Accommodations

• Are quiet rooms available with low lighting and seating?

• Does venue offer earplugs or sensory kits at the entrance?

• Are fragrance-free policies posted?

A promoter in Hamilton began offering $5 sensory kits (with fidget toys, weighted lap pads, and earplugs). They sold out during their first show—and have since become a staple.

Service Animal and Climate Considerations

• Are water bowls and relief areas available for service animals?

• Can venue temperature be adjusted if needed?

• Are there heat lamps or shaded areas outdoors?

Use eAuditor to note weather-related features for seasonal events.

Step 2: Assign, Track, and Share

Once you’ve completed your inspection, you can:

• Assign tasks to fix or improve conditions

• Add notes for future events

• Generate reports to share with artists, booking agents, or accessibility consultants

This not only helps with internal planning but also allows you to create a Venues & Physical Spaces Accessibility Guide that can be posted online for guests to review in advance.

Final Thought: Transparency Builds Trust

No venue is perfect, and that’s okay. What matters most is your willingness to assess, adjust, and communicate clearly.

When you use eAuditor with the AccessKey Toolkit, you don’t just “check the boxes”—you open the door for more people to feel included, welcomed, and excited to be part of your event.

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