Neourodivergent+ Access
As well putting on fab, creative events, all of our events seek to endorse and promote Neurodivergent+ lived experience and accessibility, bellow we’ve listed some of our provisions:
We Provide earplugs (free) at all of our events: Some Neurodivergent+ individuals are very sensitive to sound (as well as other sensations). Excessive and overlapping sounds can be painful/upsetting, and make it hard/tiring for to process information. We try to source quiet events spaces, but providing earplugs means that if someone in attendance begins to struggle/feel overwhelmed by noise/unexpected noise they can easily reduce its volume, hopefully enabling them to feel more comfortable in our space.
Visual Stories: We try and ensure that we have a visual story for all our venues. They detail how to get there, as well as show pictures of what the venue looks like on the inside and outside (toilets, drinks, stage space). Not only does this help Neurodivergent+ people who struggle with directions, but being able to see/understand the layout of a venue can also alleviate anxiety for those who feel anxious being in new places/building.
We Ask Everyone in Attendance not to use Hand-dryers: A number of Neurodivergent individuals experience ‘harsh’ sounds akin to pain – we provide paper-towels at most venues that have hand-dryers.
We have ‘Not Autism Friendly’ Stickers: These can be stuck on things (such as hand-dryers) and also taken by audience members to stick on things that they struggle with (a sticker revolution!)
We endorse Flappauase and Clicking at all of our Shows: Flappause is ‘clapping’ without noise, instead audience members wave/flap; this is also to decrease sound/overlapping sound that can cause many Neurodivergent+ individuals to feel unsafe/upset/overwhelmed. However, the ‘quiet’ after a performance also made some performers feel nervous – so, keeping with the style of spoken-word, we also endorse clicking (which is far quieter than clapping)
Trigger Warnings: MixMatched nights do not censor any performances; we encourage individuals to find their voice and push performative boundaries. BUT, we do require performers to provide Trigger Warnings before they perform if sensitive topics (such as sexual assault/violence/self-harm, are broached) Giving Trigger Warnings permits audience members, who may be negatively affected by content, the option to leave. It also enables remaining audience members to better prepare/protect themselves from upcoming content.
Quiet Rooms/Decompression Rooms: We try and source quiet venues, with additional ‘quiet rooms’, and spaces that participants and audience members can retreat to. Many Neurodivergent+/anxious individuals need a quiet safe space to ground themselves when attending social events.
MixMatched events promote Neurodivergent+ communication and comfort: At the start of each night we clarify that we are a stim (both verbal and physical) friendly, and that people are welcome to get up, leave, and come back in, at any point during our events and workshops.
We endorse communication stickers at most of our events: Our communication stickers come in three colours indicating how confidant/comfortable someone is in being approached by others.
- Green: “I am happy to be approached/conversed by anyone.”
- Yellow: “I have social anxiety/am feeling anxious, you can approach me but please be aware of my boundaries and limits.”
- Red: “I do not feel comfortable being approached today. Unless I initiate conversation, please do not approach me.”
When possible we source wheel-chair accessible venues.