Going to the theater, attending a concert by an artist you like, watching a movie at the cinema… To most people, these activities seem normal, attainable, or at least possible. But for a group of people, this is not the case. People who are hearing impaired or have vision problems cannot participate in these events. Not because they don’t want to, They are not given a way to do this in a way that suits their needs. More than 1,200,000 people in Spain have some hearing problems and more than 1.5 million people have low vision..
For several years, efforts have been made to increase accessibility to culture for people with disabilities. A number of new regulations aim to regulate the situation and prevent discrimination, introducing measures to compensate for initial disadvantages: Royal Decree 193/2023It will come into force next year. At the regional level, the Accessibility Code in the same sense was published in Catalonia on November 28, 2023.
What does the decree consist of?
Royal Decree No. 193/2023 of 21 March 2023, Basic conditions for access and use Provision of public goods and services for persons with disabilities. It includes cinemas, theaters or libraries.
The decree, derived from the General Law on the Rights and Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities 2013, responds to a regulatory development that is still pending. Within the scope of incentive by the Ministry of Social Rights Agenda 2030.
One of the most important issues in the 2nd paragraph of Article 23 of the Decree is as follows: “Publicly owned stage areas will be placed in the rooms. magnetic induction systems and subtitle and audio description displays Thus, individuals with sensory disabilities will also be able to access the content of the exhibited works. In the case of privately owned performance areas, progressive organization from these sources.”
front row seat
Systems magnetic induction or magnetic loop are mechanisms that allow you to listen to the piece more clearly. subtitle screens It benefits not only deaf people but also language learners. audio description It is used for visually impaired or visually impaired people to follow what is happening at the scene.
Additionally, people with sensory disabilities priority access to first rows in cultural services, conferences and demonstrations.
Something “anecdotal” so far
Until now, the use of sign language at concerts or assistance measures depended on the will of institutions, producers and even artists. By decree, They will win for the first time. This is a very important step, as emphasized by Francina Cortés and Núria Martorell, co-director of the Encantades Association. “It was perceived as something anecdotal rather than a general need.”
In addition, People with disabilities will have access accompanied by personal assistants or support staff In addition to receiving privileged attention according to your specific needs, without requiring any extra cost. Workers’ training and awareness are key to the successful implementation of these measures. “There will be gradual changes: Performance areas need to be equipped and their equipment must be sensitized. For this to work, the chain that creates the theater needs to understand the importance of accessibility and what it means,” says Catalina Martín from the Accessible Theater Association.
What effects does it have?
An important point of the decree is this: difference between public and private organizations, giving the private sector, which is now better equipped, more margin and time than the public one. It also distinguishes between new and existing goods and services. While new measures must already include these measures, only these are mandatory for the second type. reasonable adjustments. The same decree defines: reasonable adjustment as a change that “does not impose a disproportionate or undue burden.”
Now the big question: When will it start to be implemented? Although the decree comes into force on March 23, 2024, Applicability is delayed give margin. For new public or privately owned goods and services organized or supplied by public administrations, January 1, 2025a year from now.
“Even if it comes at a cost, this is a “necessary cost”
Existing goods and services that are susceptible to reasonable changes have greater flexibility. Necessary changes should be made before January 1, 2026 In the case of public or private property managed by the Public Administration, January 1, 2030As for the rest of the privately owned goods and services.
Making works suitable for disabled people requires the use of a different audio and subtitle system for each work. “Even if it comes at a cost, this is a required cost. The number of people with sensory disabilities is increasing, and they have the right to access culture,” underlines Martín, head of Communications and Audiences at Teatro Accessible, a project dedicated to the inclusion of accessibility measures in theatre.
adaptation process
At first glance, a concert and a deaf person may seem like two completely contradictory ideas, but in reality this is not the case. “For example, sign language is used not only for deaf people but also for disabled people. autism, Down syndrome, Asperger’s or multiple sclerosis. This way they can enjoy the concert, albeit in a different way,” explains Martorell.
In fact, there are already various initiatives in Spain fighting to make theater and music accessible. Associations such as Barrier-Free Theater or the same spells We submit proposals for inclusion. ANDl Teatre Lliure or Poliorama Theater They already have these opportunities. While it is true that the problem of centralization present in many aspects of daily life does not escape accessible culture, it is much easier to watch a play with audio description or subtitles. Barcelona or Madrid compared to other parts of the peninsula.