Enhanced Accessibility: Concrete Improvements for Everyone
For several years, reserved areas have been available to ensure a pleasant and safe experience for people with disabilities. This summer, however, these major events reached a new milestone in accessibility. Gestion Evenko Festival became the first festival organizer to benefit from theProgramme d'accessibilité des établissements touristiques (PAET) , an essential program supported by the Ministry of Tourism and managed by Kéroul. Thanks to this funding, several significant improvements were implemented.
Among these improvements:
- Lowered counters to improve access to services
- Gentle-slope cable covers to eliminate tripping hazards and improve mobility
- Accessible picnic tables to provide comfortable, adapted resting areas
- Improved signage with clear indications to support easier navigation
- Wheelchairs available on loan to ensure every festival-goer can enjoy the event and move around comfortably
Innovation Serving Accessibility: Vibrating Vests
One of the most remarkable innovations this year has been the introduction of vibrating vests. Tested by organizations such as the Centre de la Communauté Sourde du Montréal Métropolitain, these vests allow Deaf individuals to feel the vibrations of the music, adding a unique sensory dimension to their festival experience. The initiative was warmly welcomed by participants who had the opportunity to try them out this year.
Although this first edition was a success, adjustments will be made to optimize the vests’ use in future editions. Nonetheless, this tool represents a turning point in festival inclusivity, enabling more people than ever to fully enjoy the experience.
A Continued Commitment to Accessible Festivals
Evenko’s efforts in accessibility do not stop there. Staff training has been strengthened to ensure that all festival-goers enjoy a welcoming and respectful experience. Accessibility remains a core commitment that the organization works to uphold year after year, and the progress achieved so far is a clear demonstration of this dedication.
As the summer festival season wrapped up last weekend, the impact of these initiatives will be felt long beyond this summer. So next year, why not join the thousands of festival-goers and experience the magic of Montréal’s summer festivals for yourself?
Getting Ready
Valuable information to help you plan your trip.
