Video blog #2: The Big Day Out “disabled platform”
Red February 6th, 2009 18 Comments
I’ve already posted a wee bit on my thoughts around the Big Day Out festival’s “disabled platform“, but check out my latest video blog below to hear what I really think 
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Hi, At least they thought about it this year.I think it is ok as long as you can take some friends so as the crowd up on the platform then becomes "mixed" so then is not segregated.
Well thats my fellings any rate.
When you first mentioned that platform visions of a bunch of wheelchairs rising from the crowd attracting more attention than the main event flashed through my mind. I'm curious as to how long you were up there for, like do they allow you to come and go or was it like boarding a plane, with take off & landing times?
It was great that you had the choice to get a better view and get a few friends along for the ride.
But just how they could do better with that existing "older" designed venue is a difficult question. These things really need a lot more thought at the design stage.
I'm showing my age here, but when attending concerts at Western Springs during the 80's & 90's a mobility card used to get you a car park behind the main stage. Not to mention avoiding the usual checks for hidden contraband when entering
The platform sounds like a good idea. When us wheelchair users are trying to see whats going on (without a platform), on the stage anywhere, all we get to see are people's bottoms as they tend to stand in from of us.
You would still be amongst everyone else but on the platform so you can see too and have the freedom of leaving and coming back anytime you want I guess:)
I know when I went to Pukekohe for the V8 racing they had a disabled platform so we could see mainly the whole track and all the action. Without the platform we had to go down near the gate where I just saw the action on the straight or find an area on the grass so we could see some of the track.
Hey Red. As you know, I was there, and to be fair if I was with mates like you were and not with my dad and sister, I would probably be reluctant also, but because I wasn't really with anyone my age, and it was my first BDO, I didn't really care. Good view. Not sure what alternatives there would be…
@Matt & KiwiJenn: Yeah you're right. Ultimately, it's a hell of a lot better than being stuck behind people, unable to see!
Matt, we could come and go as we pleased. It was actually pretty sweet
I was just a little reluctant at first, haha..
I like you Red, hate being put to the side because I am disabled but this platform sounded awesome, I think to get us to mix though they could place us at the front and tell the others they cannot obscure our view (then again that's worse).
I like the platform idea.
I think its a great idea having the option of disabled people being able use the platform. I had a great time rocking out with you and Liam in the boiler room. I suppose when it comes down to not being able to see, you could also make the argument that short people are "disabled" to. So yea overall I like that there is the option available and you can take it or leave it.
I am a short person and I do find gigs annoying at times. But the thing is I can at least attempt to fight my way to the front, or go to the gig way early for a place at the front, where I can see. But people in wheelchairs would constantly have people falling over them and stuff if they tried to get to the front.
I dunno, I don't think you can compare a short person to a disabled person. We short people have way more options.
As for the disabled platform – I see what you mean. Can't think of a better solution right now though, but I am wondering one thing: was the disabled platform designed by disabled or abled people? Because having disabled people design the solution might be better.
This is a great website, my partner had an accident and is in a wheelchair and there are so many places we cant go. We tried camping at Whitianga at the Aladin Holiday Park, I just assumed there would be some sort of wheelchair access but no, it totally sucked! People in wheelchairs like camping as well!!!!!
Have not see the exact setup but wonder how the concept differs from corporate tents/boxes where people willingly segregate themselves because they desire a special experience. If they put on hospitality on the platform, would that change your view? I am seriously asking this. At what point to you "choose" to be separate? FYI – I am not wheelchair bound so have no idea.
For clarification of my previous post…….If they put on hospitality on the platform, would that change your view?
Bad choice of word view. I meant your opinion of things and not what you actually saw. Duh
Sounds like you want what? Holes dug for able bodied so they aren't taller than you? Or individual platforms scattered about the place?
I think the thing is to stop thinking that everything that happens is segregation and that you don't put your disability before your humanity.
Become a person who happens to have a handicap rather than a handicapped person.
That's always worked best for me.
Jon; those individual platforms aren't a bad idea, you know
Holes for the able-bodied, good one:-) Corporate boxes and refreshments gets my vote, I suppose it depends on the venue and cost, anyone been in one? Maybe Red can review a few of them for the good of the disabled community.
I think the main thing is it is a CHOICE thing! If it was compulsory I would have a big issue with it. Also, I think that often we're put in situations that our Integration is compromise. Red you brought up interesting questions and they are hard to answer.
How about a "disability mosh pit"? It could be sectioned off according to the number of people who are disabled and buy tickets and then nobody blocks anyones view. Could look like a side show depending on the signs and fencing though. I reckon they should have removable seats in strategic locations so we can all participate. Personally, because of bladder and mobility issues I don't go to concerts any more because I can't choose my seats at a lot of venues. I can't "fall my way out" from the middle of a row without geting into some sort of confrontation with some drunk or high fellow concert goer it seems.
interesting thoughts.
No I don’t think your’e a “dick” for not wanting to be segregated.
As a wheelchair user, I have deliberately avoided the “disability section” at events such as Opera in the Park at the domain.
(But I also wonder, am I proud because I do not want to be seen associating with other disabled people….) i think it’s similar to you, I am all for mainstreaming, so I go to events and I simply want to hang out with my mates
answer to your dilemma, is for BDO and other big event organisers to hire out “mini ramp platform” thingys, that is just big enough for one wheelchair user, to push up on to it, and so that you’re at the same height, or slightly above yr mates. Maybe some bright spark can design such a portable system…
other option is to do what we did at the Parachute Music Festival. A friend organised for me and another wheelchair user to go up in a cherry picker (with our mates!) and watch the event 20m plus, above everybody else. Primo, but slightly scary…!! (I should post photos of this…)
obviously, this is not an option for every wheelchair user that attends BDO….but fun none the less….
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