General
Belgian music festivals draw a lot of visitors looking for both good music and a nice atmosphere. Disabled persons too want to enjoy these festivals. Until recently, festival organizers – willing to take extra measures for disabled visitors – could run for an allowance from the ‘Festivals voor Iedereen’ (Festivals for Everyone) project. The festivals selected by the project jury could count on both practical and financial support from Intro. The Festivals for Everyone initiative was realised by Intro and financed by the National Lottery. Recently though, the National Lottery decided to phase out its support for this project. As a result, organizers’ efforts to improve accessibility are - at this moment - not stimulated financially. However, it is still important that festivals remain accessible for disabled persons! Therefore Intro asks organizers to maintain there engagement to: • Reserve parking space for disabled persons close to the entrance; • Provide an accessible entrance; • Take specific measures to guarantee a good view for disabled persons; • Provide accessible restrooms for disabled persons; • Admit assistance digs that are easily recognizable (jacket, special leash); • Communicate all this through channels carrying the Intro logo and web address. In exchange, Intro offers you its free expertise. Moreover, all accessible festivals are mentioned on the Intro website and newsletter. We give advice on how to optimize accessibility and your festival can count on Intro volunteers. An Intro employee will write a report on every participating festival and formulate advice on improving its accessibility. IS YOUR FESTIVAL ACCESSIBLE? LET US KNOW! [Register](http://www.intro-events.be/images/uploads/img_misc/aanvraagformulier_2010ENG.pdf) at least one month before the festival takes place. Festivals taking place between July 1st and September 30th must be registered May 31st at the latest. Meanwhile we keep looking for solutions for the changed situation. If you are registered, you will be informed automatically should extra financial resources for accessible festivals become available. Belgium is a true leader in Europe when it comes to accessible festivals, which is a result of your efforts. Let’s live up to our reputation! Thank you