With up to 20% of the global population estimated to be deemed neurodivergent, it is becoming increasingly important for events and organisations to consider catering to a diverse patron base. Concerts and music festivals are no exception, and the emergence of neuro-inclusive events, and even charities that specifically focus on helping neurodivergent people enhance the quality of their social and recreational lives, this is an area that is likely to warrant more and more attention. The task at hand for event/concert organisers and musicians is how to adopt some of the principles and practices of inclusive events, while ensuring any resulting risks are also addressed.

Gone are the days where designing inclusive spaces and events meant just ensuring standard accessibility such as wheelchair ramps. Designing neuroinclusive events involves taking a broader view of the sensory and cognitive needs of neurodivergent people, and catering to these needs both in the lead-up to, and during the event.

Before the event, the Australian Psychological Society (APS) recommends thorough communication with patrons, including details of schedules, layouts, speakers, session formats and potential sensory triggers. This information should be provided in multiple formats including text, visual and video. Also consider the check-in/queueing process and see whether there is an opportunity to reduce excessive sensory triggers.

During the event, the most important factor to keep in mind is sensory overload as this is a common challenge faced by neurodivergent people. This is especially important if your concert or event will have bright lights, loud noises and strong scents. According to the APS, actions such as having designated quiet zones, providing noise-cancelling headphones (or encouraging attendees to bring their own), placing tactile tools and/or sensory products throughout the venue can all help to enhance the attendee experience.

These are not exhaustive measures, and every event is different. That’s why concert and event organisers need to take a pragmatic approach and decide on what is practically possible for their event, and also take the necessary steps to minimise their own risks.

While designing neuroinclusive events requires adjustments and some different ways of thinking, this shouldn’t come at the expense of following basic risk management and safety protocols in preventing mishaps and accidents. For example, any additional items provided may pose slip & fall hazards, and so appropriate storage and/or disposal should be placed within easy reach for patrons. Musicians performing at neuroinclusive events should ensure ample testing of their equipment and electronics to prevent high-pitched feedback as this may also be triggering for some neurodivergent people.

The importance of insurance also cannot be overlooked. Regardless of the precautions you take, a patron tripping and injuring themselves, or a venue holding your organisation accountable for damage can all being about substantial financial costs, and having insurance can help prevent you from having to shoulder these costs. Public Liability Insurance can help cover you if a member of the public holds you responsible for an injury or property damage suffered by them. In addition to Public Liability Insurance, you may also need to consider insurance to cover your equipment if they stolen or damaged due to an event. To learn more about insurance to consider if you’re a musician or event/concert organiser, talk to a member of our team, or click here.