Awakenings is offering a new low-stimulus space at its Summer Festival designed for visitors with disabilities to have a relaxing area for when they may become overstimulated.
The new space, developed in collaboration with HandicapNL and Philips TV & Sound, strives to make festivals a more accessible and inclusive place for all people under the banner of “Unlimited Party.”
The area will feature noise-canceling headphones, soothing sounds, and tranquil imagery to allow overstimulated guests to unwind and take a break when the music and lights become too much.
Awakenings already offers a host of quiet spaces and chill-out areas including a treatment room where additional medical care can be provided if the situation is deemed dangerous or harmful to the individual.
Speaking about the new accommodations catering to the over two million people living with disabilities in the Netherlands, Nikki Schuurs, the Sustainability Manager at Awakenings said, “Previously, Awakenings has taken measures to facilitate visitors with disabilities, such as providing complimentary tickets for companions, accessible parking and toilets, ramps, and pathways…Many individuals may desire to attend festivals, but due to their inability or because they don’t want – or can’t – be surrounded by large crowds for extended periods, they opt out.”
She continued, “We aim to address this issue by providing solutions through such additions to our festival experience. By sharing knowledge and experiences, we hope to inspire other event organizers so we can make the festival industry more inclusive and accessible.”
The low-stimulus space at Awakenings Summer Festival is part of a pilot project, with the intention to make it a regular feature at future Awakenings festivals.
All images courtesy of Awakenings
