A guide for ensuring Make Music Vermont events are welcoming and accessible to all community members.
Why Accessibility & Inclusion Matter
Make Music Day is built on the principle that everyone can participate in music-making. That vision only works if our events are truly accessible to people of all abilities, backgrounds, and circumstances.
Accessible, inclusive events:
- Serve your entire community
- Attract more participants and attendees
- Strengthen grant applications
- Model best practices for other organizations
- Live up to the Make Music Day mission
Physical Accessibility
Venue Selection
When recruiting venues, consider:
Mobility access:
- Is there step-free entry?
- Are pathways wide enough for wheelchairs?
- Is the terrain navigable (paved, level, firm)?
- Are there accessible restrooms nearby?
- Is accessible parking available?
For outdoor events:
- Grass and gravel can be difficult for wheelchairs
- Consider providing temporary pathways or mats
- Ensure at least some performances are on hard surfaces
Venue Accessibility Checklist
For each venue, document:
Communicating Accessibility
On your website/schedule:
- Mark accessible venues with a symbol
- Include specific access information (e.g., "ramp at side entrance")
- Provide contact info for accessibility questions
Sample listing:
Town Green Stage ♿
Wheelchair accessible. Paved pathways. Accessible porta-potty on site. Shaded seating available.
Sensory Accessibility
For Deaf and Hard of Hearing Attendees
- Consider ASL interpreters for key performances (grants may cover cost)
- Ensure good sightlines to performers
- Use visual cues for announcements (signs, screens)
- Provide printed programs with song/set information
For Blind and Low Vision Attendees
- Offer large-print or audio versions of schedules
- Ensure good verbal announcements at performances
- Describe what's happening when relevant
- Mark any obstacles or changes in terrain
Sensory-Friendly Considerations
- Identify quieter performances for those sensitive to loud sounds
- Mark performances that may be very loud or have flashing lights
- Consider a "quiet zone" where people can take a break
Geographic Accessibility
Reaching All of Vermont
Vermont's rural nature creates access challenges:
Transportation:
- Not everyone has a car
- Public transit is limited outside Burlington
- Consider locations accessible by foot or bike
- Partner with local transit if available
Distribution:
- Don't cluster all events in one area
- Include performances in underserved neighborhoods
- Consider mobile performances that travel to different areas
Rural Communities
- Small towns may have fewer resources but strong community ties
- Partner with existing gathering places (general stores, libraries, churches)
- Consider that "walkability" means something different in rural areas
Economic Accessibility
For Attendees
Make Music Day is free by definition, but consider:
- Parking costs (partner with free parking options)
- Food/drink costs (have free water available)
- Transportation costs
- Childcare needs
For Musicians
Barriers to participation:
- Instrument ownership/access
- Transportation to venues
- Time off work
- Childcare
Ways to help:
- Instrument lending programs
- Stipends for musicians (if budget allows)
- Flexible scheduling
- Partner with music schools that can provide instruments
For Venues
- Don't require venues to spend money to participate
- Provide signage, banners, and materials
- Offer technical support if needed
Cultural & Language Inclusion
Musical Diversity
- Actively recruit musicians from diverse genres and traditions
- Include music from cultures represented in your community
- Don't default only to Western/European musical traditions
- Welcome music in languages other than English
Language Access
For communities with non-English speakers:
- Translate key materials (flyers, website basics)
- Recruit bilingual volunteers
- Ensure performers feel welcome to sing/perform in their language
Vermont's linguistic communities:
- French (especially near Canadian border)
- Spanish
- Nepali, Swahili, Arabic (refugee communities)
- Indigenous languages
Cultural Considerations
- Be aware of cultural norms around music and public performance
- Religious observances may affect scheduling
- Food considerations for any gatherings
Age Inclusion
For Children and Families
- Identify family-friendly performances
- Include participatory events kids can join
- Consider timing (earlier events for young children)
- Provide safe, visible spaces for families
- Instrument petting zoos are great for kids!
For Older Adults
- Ensure seating is available at performances
- Consider heat and shade for June events
- Include music that resonates across generations
- Partner with senior centers and assisted living facilities
- Bring music to those who can't easily travel
Intergenerational Connections
- Encourage performances that bring ages together
- Multi-generational family performances
- Mentorship pairings (experienced musicians with youth)
Welcoming First-Time Participants
For New Musicians
Many people feel intimidated to perform. Make it easy:
- Emphasize "all skill levels welcome"
- Offer participatory events (drum circles, sing-alongs) as entry points
- Consider "first-time performer" showcases
- Pair nervous newcomers with experienced musicians
- Provide encouragement and support
For New Attendees
- Clear signage and wayfinding
- Friendly welcome at each venue
- Printed schedules readily available
- Volunteers who can answer questions
- Make it easy to find performances
Inclusive Communication
Language and Imagery
- Use plain, clear language in all materials
- Avoid jargon and assumptions about musical knowledge
- Include diverse images in promotional materials
- Represent the full range of your community
Multiple Channels
- Not everyone uses social media
- Print materials for those without internet
- Radio for those who don't read
- Word of mouth through community partners
Invitation vs. Assumption
Instead of: "Musicians can sign up here"
Try: "Do you play music? Sing? Make sounds? We'd love to have you perform — no experience necessary!"
Accessibility Budget Considerations
Low/No Cost
- Choosing accessible venues
- Clear communication about access
- Volunteer greeters and assistants
- Partnering with disability organizations
Moderate Cost
- Printed large-print materials
- Temporary accessibility improvements
- Transportation assistance
Higher Cost (seek grants)
- ASL interpretation
- Professional accessibility audit
- Musician stipends
- Equipment for adaptive music-making
Partnerships
Connect with organizations that can help:
Vermont organizations:
- Vermont Center for Independent Living
- Disability Rights Vermont
- Association of Africans Living in Vermont
- Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program
- Local Area Agencies on Aging
- Special Olympics Vermont
- Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired
How they can help:
- Advise on accessibility
- Spread the word to their communities
- Provide volunteers or interpreters
- Connect you with potential participants
Feedback and Continuous Improvement
Ask
- Include accessibility questions in post-event surveys
- "Were you able to fully participate? If not, what barriers did you encounter?"
- "How can we be more inclusive next year?"
Listen
- Take feedback seriously
- Don't be defensive about shortcomings
- Thank people for sharing their experience
Act
- Prioritize improvements based on impact and feasibility
- Document changes for future years
- Share what you've learned with other chapters
Accessibility Statement Template
Make Music [Town] Accessibility
Make Music Day is for everyone. We're committed to making our events accessible and welcoming to all community members.
Physical Access:
Venues marked with ♿ have step-free entry and accessible pathways. [Link to accessible venue list]
Sensory Access:
[Description of any accommodations available]
Questions or Requests:
Contact [Name] at [email/phone] with accessibility questions or to request accommodations. We'll do our best to meet your needs.
Feedback:
Help us improve! Share your accessibility feedback at [link].
Inclusion isn't an add-on — it's core to what Make Music Day is about. When we welcome everyone, we make better music together.