Accessibility Isn’t a Bonus — It’s the Bare Minimum
Let’s be honest — not every event is built with disabled people in mind.
Between inaccessible venues, nowhere to sit, overwhelming crowds and zero consideration for sensory needs, going to festivals, markets or conventions can be exhausting before you’ve even had fun.
As a disabled, neurodivergent and queer maker, this is something I navigate constantly — both as an attendee and as someone running a stall.
And that’s exactly why accessible events in Australia matter so much.
What Actually Makes an Event Accessible?
Accessibility isn’t just about ramps (although yes, those matter).
It’s about whether people can comfortably exist in the space.
Things that actually make a difference:
- Seating areas and rest spaces
- Clear walkways (not packed to chaos levels)
- Shade or indoor cooling
- Sensory-friendly considerations
- Accessible bathrooms
- Vendors and organisers who actually get it
Because accessibility isn’t one-size-fits-all — it’s layered, and it’s personal.
The Reality of Attending Events When You’re Disabled or Neurodivergent
Events can be incredible — but they can also be a lot.
You’re dealing with:
- Noise
- Heat
- Crowds
- Not enough space for accessibility aids like wheelchairs and walkers
- Long hours on your feet
And when you add a disability or sensory sensitivity into that mix, it can quickly go from fun → overwhelming.
That’s why preparation matters — and why having the right tools (and the right environment) makes all the difference.
Something as simple as a bold bamboo clack fan can help regulate temperature, reduce overwhelm and give you a moment to reset without leaving the space completely.
Accessibility Isn’t Always Considered (And That’s the Problem)
The reality is — not every space is accessible, and not every organiser is thinking about accessibility from the start.
Too often, accessibility is treated like an afterthought. It gets tacked on late (if at all), once the venue is locked in, the layout is finalised and the tickets are already sold. By that point, it’s usually too late to make meaningful changes — and the people who miss out are the ones who needed that consideration the most.
Personally this has happened to me more often than i'd like to talk about. You get to an event and there's nowhere for a mobility aid, or you've asked in advance for space for one and the organizers have just "forgotten".
And it’s not just the event itself.
Accommodation is a huge part of attending conventions, markets and festivals — and it’s another area where accessibility often falls short. Accessible rooms are limited, poorly designed, or already booked out long before many people can even plan their trip. In some cases, people are turned away or told their access needs “can’t be accommodated,” which isn’t just frustrating — it’s discriminatory, and honestly, pretty crap.
You turn up to a hotel and they've given an accessible room away leaving you stranded. They make you feel less than for asking for somewhere you need to be able to rest and like you're being difficult for needing something that is accessible.
Imagine asking someone in a wheelchair to walk up a flight of stairs so they can sleep. Or someone who uses a walker to do the same. Ridiculous right? Except we've witnessed it and experienced it firsthand.
While most events and hotels are accommodating, there are some very bad examples of things we've experienced that make you wonder why you leave the house sometimes.
When events don’t consider accessibility early, it creates a chain reaction:
- People can’t attend safely or comfortably
- Travel becomes harder or impossible
- Entire communities get excluded without it even being acknowledged
Accessibility shouldn’t be something that’s “added in later” — it needs to be built into events from the beginning.
Because if people can’t access the space, they don’t get to be part of it.
Why Inclusive Markets Matter (A Lot)
Some events are starting to get it right.
Markets and festivals that actively centre inclusion create a completely different experience — not just physically, but emotionally too.
Spaces like:
- Supanova Comic Con & Gaming Festival
- Midsumma Festival
- Chillout Festival Daylesford
- Sydney Mardi Gras
- Brisbane Pride
- Colourful Minds Market
- Geek Expo
These events prioritise:
- Community
- Representation
- Accessibility
- Actual diversity (not just performative)
And you can feel the difference immediately.
Creating Space for People Like Us
For brands like Harlem Starlet, these spaces are everything.
Because when you’re a disabled, neurodivergent and queer creator, traditional retail and event spaces don’t always feel built for you.
Inclusive events give:
- Small creators visibility
- Marginalised people representation
- Customers a chance to connect with brands that reflect them
It’s not just about selling products — it’s about being seen.
Accessibility and What You Wear Matters Too
What you bring and wear to events can also make a huge difference to your experience.
Choosing:
- Lightweight accessories
- Comfortable pieces
- Practical add-ons
can help you stay longer, feel better and actually enjoy yourself.
Things like:
- bamboo clack fans for cooling and regulation
- lightweight statement earrings that don’t irritate
- quirky acrylic keyrings as small grounding or fidget-friendly items
These aren’t just “accessories” — they’re part of how you navigate the space.
We Deserve Better (And We’re Getting There)
Accessible events shouldn’t be rare — they should be the standard.
And while there’s still a long way to go, more markets, festivals and conventions are starting to understand that inclusion isn’t optional.
It’s essential.
Until then, we keep showing up, taking up space and supporting the events that support us.
Final Thoughts: Find Your Spaces
Not every event will work for you — and that’s okay.
But the ones that do? They’re worth everything.
Seek out:
- Inclusive markets
- Accessible festivals
- Community-driven events
Because when a space is built with you in mind, everything changes.
And if you’re heading to your next event, don’t forget to bring the little things that make a big difference — like your bamboo clack fan, your favourite accessories and whatever helps you feel like yourself.