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The #diversity of #disabilities means #accessibility needs can be both wide-ranging within the community and specific to an individual. But in general, “there are very, very few venues where the stage itself is accessible. There’s a slightly larger number, but still plenty of places #inaccessible for an audience member to watch the show,” says Dan Hurwitz, co-founder of the Seattle-based comedian collective #TheDisabledList and a stand-up missing digits from his hands and feet.
#Comedians say their medium inherently requires flexibility and improvisation, but what’s being asked of them is #inequitable, may be illegal under #TitleIII of the #AmericansWithDisabilitiesAct, and can have long-lasting impacts on their careers. “A comedy stage is the entry point to these other opportunities that will help to develop your art,” notes Nina G., author of “Stutterer Interrupted” and a member of the Bay Area troupe #ComediansWithDisabilities Act. “If you’re not able to develop your art, how are you going to get those acting gigs? How are you going to write that sitcom? How are you going to get a special?”
According to Snipe, acts can face “the fire and the gauntlet” of navigating inaccessible public transit or expensive and unreliable rideshares even before they arrive. Once at the venue, ASL interpreters, audio description, ramps or accessible bathrooms are few and far between, whether in L.A., New York, or outside these coastal entertainment bubbles.