Event Spaces: Why Venues Need to Prioritize Accessibility

Professional sports teams have largely moved to accommodate the needs of fans with sensory issues, but many venues still fall short when it comes to addressing a range of other needs for fans living with conditions known as invisible or non-apparent disabilities, according to a nationwide ESPN survey.

While physical accommodations such as wheelchair seating, ramps, and elevators are more common, millions of Americans with invisible disabilities — conditions like autism, chronic pain, brain injuries, and sensory impairments — often find that their needs are overlooked.

Invisible disabilities, which are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), can significantly affect how individuals experience public spaces, including event venues. The ADA mandates that stadiums, arenas, and other venues provide accommodations for individuals with disabilities, but many of these efforts focus primarily on physical access. This narrow focus leaves out a significant portion of the population who may not require a wheelchair but still face barriers to fully enjoying events.

As tens of millions of Americans live with conditions that are not immediately apparent but deeply impact their daily lives, event spaces must go beyond the bare minimum and reimagine accessibility in a broader, more inclusive way.

Accessibility contractors at Access Built explore why venues need to prioritize accessibility for all, including those with invisible disabilities, and how doing so can enhance the guest experience, expand the market, and improve long-term profitability.

The ADA and Expanding Accessibility Beyond Physical Barriers

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), passed in 1990, was a landmark piece of legislation aimed at ending discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Public venues such as sports stadiums and event spaces are required to provide reasonable accommodations that make these spaces accessible. For many years, this has primarily meant ensuring access for individuals with mobility challenges by offering ramps, wheelchair-accessible seating, and elevators.

However, this leaves out a large portion of individuals whose disabilities are not physical but still impair their ability to participate fully in an event. Conditions like autism, anxiety, sensory processing disorders, and chronic pain may not be visible but require accommodations to make an event experience comfortable and enjoyable.

For example, a fan with chronic pain may struggle with stairs, while someone with sensory processing issues may need a quiet room or noise-canceling headphones to handle the overwhelming stimuli of a large crowd.

Catering to an Underserved Market

One of the key reasons venues need to prioritize accessibility is the sheer size of the disabled population. Over 61 million adults in the U.S. live with a disability, and a significant portion of them have conditions that are not immediately visible. This presents a largely untapped market for event spaces. Many individuals with invisible disabilities avoid public events because of the lack of proper accommodations, but making your venue more accessible can attract a new wave of customers.

Providing accommodations for invisible disabilities isn’t just about complying with the law — it’s about opening the doors to a more diverse audience. Guests with disabilities are often accompanied by friends, family, or caregivers, meaning that one person's improved experience can lead to more attendees overall.

Enhancing the Guest Experience with Small Changes

Event spaces that prioritize accessibility improve the overall guest experience, not just for individuals with disabilities but for everyone. Simple changes like offering printed menus at concession stands, creating designated quiet rooms, and providing disability identification badges for guests with invisible disabilities can go a long way in making everyone feel welcome.

For example, sports fan Mikey Dedmon, who lives with systemic lupus, shared her frustrations about being denied access to elevators because her disability wasn’t visible. Such experiences can alienate guests and discourage them from returning.

If venues trained their staff to better recognize and accommodate invisible disabilities, guests could enjoy the event experience without feeling judged or excluded. These measures not only help people with disabilities but also improve the flow and experience for all attendees by making the event less chaotic and more organized.

Long-Term Profitability Through Inclusivity

Embracing accessibility in event spaces isn't just about meeting legal obligations — it’s also a smart business move. People with disabilities, including those with invisible disabilities, represent a significant market that is often underserved. By prioritizing accessibility, venues can tap into this market and create lifelong customers.

Venues that actively promote their accessibility features — such as dedicated disability entrances, sensory rooms, and disability badges — can differentiate themselves from competitors and attract positive media attention.

Inclusive spaces build a reputation for being socially responsible and welcoming, which can lead to greater customer loyalty and higher attendance rates.

The Path Forward for Accessible Event Spaces

As public awareness of invisible disabilities grows, event venues must adapt by prioritizing inclusivity for all guests. Physical accommodations like ramps and elevators are essential, but they are only the first step.

To create truly accessible spaces, venues need to consider the diverse needs of individuals with invisible disabilities, who face unique challenges when attending events.

By making small but impactful changes, venues can enhance the guest experience, tap into an underserved market, and build long-term customer loyalty. In doing so, they not only comply with the ADA but also foster a culture of inclusivity and respect for all individuals.

For more information on how your venue can prioritize accessibility and create a more inclusive environment, contact experienced accessibility contractors at Access Built today. We believe in creating inclusive environments that cater to everyone, regardless of visible or invisible disabilities. Work with us to transform your venue into a more accessible, inclusive, and successful space.