Birmingham’s Symphony Hall and Town Hall have been awarded the UK’s first ‘Autism Charter’, from Autism Alliance UK.

Significant work

The award means that the venue for this year’s British Open Championship on September 5th is one of the first in the UK to be verified as autism-friendly.

The Charter comes following significant work to meet criteria that ensures that both venues are adaptable, and that staff are trained to specific audience needs.

Accessible

Richard Hawley (above), Head of artistic programming told 4BR: “We are passionate about making the arts accessible to people with disabilities that may have previously stopped them from attending a concert venue.

We have worked closely with Autism Alliance UK and Autism West Midlands to train our staff and create an environment that meets the needs and wants of people with disabilities.”

We have worked closely with Autism Alliance UK and Autism West Midlands to train our staff and create an environment that meets the needs and wants of people with disabilitiesRichard Hawley

Helpful staff

Richard added: “By signing this charter we are committing to providing people with autism, and their families, the confidence to visit our venues, safe in the knowledge that their needs and requirements will be met and that trained, helpful staff will be at hand to help if needed.”

While it is wonderful to be recognised at this point, we acknowledge that there is still a great deal of work to be done and we will continue to develop our events to ensure they are accessible to a much wider audience.”