We are creating a community of people with and without disabilities, dedicated to culture, human rights and social responsibility.
Subscribe to our newsletter to read stories about people, breaking down barriers, success stories and suggestions for accessible events. Below are some stories about people who are already part of the Access Lab Community.
“Audio description brought me back to the theatre. It’s liberating.”
Graça Santos
"I became a paraplegic at age 24. I went to the theatre and concerts for a few years. I was young and was willing to overcome the barriers with help from my friends. Going up and down stairs. Going in through backdoors, through the backstage or going through a kitchen in order to get to the main hall. I can remember being perched at a height of some two metres on top of a box at a Fura dels Baus show, lifted by hand. It was really a lot of work, not to mention humiliating, to attend these inaccessible shows. I eventually stopped attending them. I don’t know if it was because I decided to no longer accept discrimination, if it was because I no longer hung around with a group of friends, or if it was because I just got tired of it."
Jorge Falcato
“The interaction between Deaf and disabled people and professionals has to be more inclusive: in terms of physical access, communication and attitude. What we see today is the result of a lack of preparation and a lack of knowledge.”
Catarina Oliveira
“It’s rare to find Deaf people at the theatre, museums, shows or concerts because these venues don’t offer Portuguese Sign Language. It is important to adapt these venues, so that we as Deaf people can be included in society through cultural events.”
Ana Lopes
“Going to a concert means being ready to take on a battalion. A lot of people can’t go without someone accompanying them. Tickets are double the price, the disabled person has to incur the cost. Nobody should be socially and economically hindered because of a disability.”
Raquel Banha
“It has always been difficult to find shows. Over the years I’ve seen an improvement in access, but not yet in the manner of accessing and being received. When planning does not involve disabled people, we often come across venues that are not at all suitable. I believe it’s possible to do more than this when you involve people.”
Diogo Martins
“There has been an increase in the number of theatres that offer audio description, allowing the blind or vision-impaired full access. Culture and arts are central pillars of a country’s identity. How can we neglect a part of the population that is part of the country? I believe that no cultural manager, artistic director or political decision-maker consider it acceptable that a group of people be prevented from attending a play, show or concert.”
Irina Francisco
“As a Deaf person, I love feeling the vibrations at live music shows. The volume has to be turned up really high in order to feel them. For instance, you can feel them better on a hardwood floor. I like feeling the rhythm through the vibrations and I like to be influenced by the movements of people dancing.”
Tony Weaver
