Accessibility

At Young at Art, we are committed to making Belfast Children’s Festival and our other events and activities welcoming and accessible to all children, families, and caregivers.

We believe every child deserves the opportunity to explore, create, and enjoy the arts—regardless of their abilities or access needs. That’s why we work closely with artists, venues, and accessibility specialists to ensure our events, performances and workshops are inclusive and supportive for everyone.

What We’re Doing:

• Accessible Venues: Our partner venues have step-free access, accessible toilets, and clearly marked signage. Some also have changing places. Many venues have social stories so you and your young person know what to expect when you visit. Details are provided on each event page. 
• Assistance: If you or your child need assistance at an event, there will be a Young at Art staff member wearing a grey t-shirt with an orange ‘Y’ logo on the front that you can speak to for help.
• Artists & Delegates: We will ask you for your preferred pronouns and names for lanyards. 
• Belfast Children’s Festival Brochure: You will find accessibility icons on every event listing.  

• Communication: If you need information in an alternative format or have specific access requirements, we’re here to help. We’ll ask you how you’d like to be addressed. 
• Digital Access: Our website is designed to be usable with screen readers and other assistive technologies.  We’re adding alt. text to all the images on our website and captioning our public facing videos.  Our downloadable pdfs are accessible for screen readers 
• Event Durations: You will find event durations on event pages where this information is available to us. Live shows may vary by a few minutes either way, so allow for small changes. 
• Inclusive Programming: We offer performances specifically created for disabled and neurodivergent children and young people, as well as relaxed performances, touch tours, sensory-friendly spaces, and events with BSL interpretation, audio description, or captioning where possible.  Accessibility details are provided on each event listing page.  
• Partner venues: We work with partner venues and spaces to secure baby changing facilities, parking options and drop-off zones; quiet spaces or sensory rooms.
• Relaxed Performances: Relaxed events are designed to be calm, sensory-friendly and welcoming for families. The events have reduced audience numbers and low level sound and lighting. It’s okay to move, make noise and leave and re-enter the space at any time.   
• Social Media: We use image and video descriptions under the videos and images we post. We caption our public facing videos 
• Sensory Kit: Each partner venue will have a Sensory Kit available, which includes ear defenders to help make your visit more comfortable. If you’d like to use one, just ask the team member wearing a YAA t-shirt and they’ll be happy to help. Please note that supplies are limited. 

• Support Services: Carers or support workers are welcome free of charge at most events. Let us know how we can assist you when booking, or email [email protected]. 

Tell Us How We’re Doing:

We are always learning and evolving. If you have feedback or suggestions about accessibility at our festival, please contact us at [email protected].

Neurodivergent Notice: When reading or providing feedback on this website, please consider the diverse perspectives of its authors and readers. Some individuals may have different ways of understanding and interacting with the world. Clear, unambiguous and inclusive language is essential to ensure accessibility for everyone. If any part of this website is unclear or could be improved to avoid potential triggers, your thoughtful suggestions are welcome and appreciated.