ATG recognises that there may be explicit or implicit barriers for Deaf or disabled people or people with long term health conditions to attend our venues, for a wide range of reasons. We noticed that customers needed to disclose personal details multiple times to our staff, that non-disabled customers could take advantage of adaptations or pricing intended to support those with access requirements, and that the booking process for Access customers could be improved.
Consequently, ATG began trialling our Access Membership Scheme in 2015 to ensure access requirements can be met more effectively. In 2022, we updated and refreshed the scheme in response to feedback from disabled customers, staff, the producers bringing their shows to our theatres, and access and equality specialists.
The primary aims of the scheme are to improve our level of service for disabled customers and to ensure that customers with access requirements can book accessible seats online without releasing these seats to the general public.