Stories of Accessibility on Broadway
As Broadway works toward embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, it has also needed to take a hard look at its Accessibility practices. In recent years the term DEI has been amended to include Accessibility (DEIA). While Accessibility falls under the DEI umbrella, it’s important to acknowledge it specifically, because those with physical and neurological disabilities may require accommodations beyond the basic inclusion practices that account for diversity of race, gender, and sexual identities. Despite the statistic that one in four Americans report having some form of disability, the disabled community has historically been one of the most underrepresented groups across most industries. Including the ‘A’ in ‘DEIA’ is a reminder for employers and the public to consider the disabled community when they think about diversity. Like most industries, Broadway has been slow to address its lack of accessibility. Although there has been significant progress in the last decade, there’s still a long way to go to make Broadway theater accessible for audiences off stage, and to improve disabled representation on stage. Advocates for accessibility have increased public awareness of ableism and its detrimental effects not just for those with disabilities, but for society as a whole Many Broadway theaters were constructed in the early 1900s, which unfortunately means they were not designed with today’s standard for accessibility. They typically do not have elevators, which means stairs are the only access to the upper levels. While the main restrooms also typically require stairs to get to, most of the theaters now provide accessible restrooms on the ground floor. The Eugene O’Neill Theatre and Shubert Theatre are notable exceptions where those who require an accessible restroom must use restrooms in buildings across the street. Most Broadway theaters offer accessible seating in the orchestra section, which is on the ground level. Designated aisle seats that are accessible for wheelchairs, and those with limited mobility, are often indicated in the seating chart when you book your tickets. You can also contact the theater before booking to discuss specific accessibility requirements. Many Broadway theaters offer assistive listening devices, audio description devices, and captioning devices. Be sure to check the specific offerings, and whether they need to be booked in advance, on the theater’s website. It’s now common for theaters to provide “relaxed” performances, which are intended to be accessible for neurodiverse audiences. During these performances, theaters relax their rules for audience behavior. They allow the audience to make noise, leave and reenter the theater as often as needed, and they sometimes offer sensory items and fidget toys for audiences to use during the show. You can find a more detailed breakdown of the Broadway theaters and their accessibility in The New York Theatre Guide’s 2024 article. Check out these resources before booking your next Broadway show: Theatre Access NYC: Created by The Broadway League and TDF, this website allows you to filter shows by accommodation requirements, including wheelchair, hearing devices, captioning, sign language, autism friendly performances, and more. TDF Accessibility Membership: This membership is free of charge for theatregoers who are hard of hearing or deaf, have low vision or are blind, who cannot climb stairs or who require aisle seating or wheelchair locations. Seats on the Spectrum: It was just announced that the Theater Development Fund (TDF) has partnered with Roundabout Theater Company and New 42’s Victory Theater to launch a new accessibility initiative called Seats on the Spectrum. The initiative will see more than 100 performances between the two theaters offering accommodations for neurodiverse audiences, with ushers and front-of-house staff receiving additional training to better support these audiences. Just as Broadway has needed to relook at which groups are being excluded from its audiences, Broadway has also needed to relook at which performers are being excluded from its stages. While stories about characters with disabilities are not uncommon, from William Shakespeare’s Richard III to Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie to Simon Stephens’ The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, unfortunately instances of disabled actors being cast in disabled roles have been rare. Instead, we’ve seen Daniel Radcliffe in The Cripple of Inishmaan and Bradley Cooper in The Elephant Man. In film, we’ve seen Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man, Daniel Day-Lewis in My Left Foot, and Eddie Redmayne in The Theory of Everything (2014). The disabled community and its allies have been calling for better representation for disability on stage and on screen. In a New York Times article, Ryan O’Connell, an actor with cerebral palsy and creator of the Netflix series Special, calls Hollywood out for “profiting off the stories of marginalized people without giving them the actual opportunities.” He also impresses that disabled people are more capable than most think; he’s tired of seeing disabled people infantilized. In the same article, Madison Ferris, who has used a wheelchair since she was 19, discusses her performance in a revival of The Glass Menagerie at the Belasco Theatre in 2017. She describes the audience’s shocked reaction to the moment she gets out of her chair and pulls herself up a short flight of stairs – an everyday activity for her, but one that surprised audiences who didn’t expect her to be able to do it. The tendency for producers and directors to underestimate disabled actors is a barrier to actors being offered more roles. Anthony Michael Lopez, a disabled actor who starred in Camelot (2023) on Broadway, and is currently performing in the 2024 Broadway revival of Our Town said in an article for Broadway News,“One of the things I’ve had to request [in my career] was that people do not underestimate my ability. If somebody assumes I can’t do something, I have to say, ‘Hey, going forward, I will tell you if I’m not comfortable doing something; you focus on trying to make the play as good as possible.’” At the same time, producers must also be willing to step up and accommodate diversity on their sets. It’s been proven that diversity leads to better performance, and having a successful, diverse team means accommodating differences. In her article “It’s Time to ‘Crip Up’ the Theatre Industry” Abbie Anderson calls for an overhaul of current theater-making practices, and proposes a new, “disability-first” blueprint. She argues that accessibility should be an organic element of all
New Fire and CO Alarm Control Switch
Kidde Safety Europe has introduced a new Fire and CO Alarm Control Switch that enables remote testing and silencing of interconnected Kidde FIREX hardwired alarms, providing a practical solution for properties where alarms are installed in locations that are difficult to access or require regular inspection. The Fire and CO Alarm Control Switch makes the process easy with a convenient Test/Hush button that eliminates the need for physical access to the alarms. This is particularly valuable for elderly or disabled individuals and in properties with high ceilings. It also enhances safety and compliance where alarms are installed in non-occupied areas, such as lofts with photovoltaic (solar) equipment. The solution aligns with BS 5839-6:2019, the British Standard for domestic fire detection systems, which highlights the importance of providing remote testing capability for alarms installed in inaccessible locations. The new control unit features separate visual indicators for fire and carbon monoxide detection to provide a quick and clear identification of the hazard. For simplicity, it also has a single multifunction button. To test the system, users simply press the button, and all the alarms will sound. In the event of an activation, pressing the Test/Hush button will silence all alarms in the system except the initiating device – this allows for easy and convenient alarm source indication. The Fire and CO Alarm Control Switch can be connected into any part of a new or existing Kidde FIREX hardwired alarm installation and can support up to 24 interconnected devices. The switch, which fits into a standard wall back box or standard surface mounted electrical box, should be mounted to a wall in an easily accessible, central location such as a hallway or landing space. It is supplied with a 10-year warranty for long-term reliability. “The safety of residents depends on fire and carbon monoxide alarms being in full working order, and it is imperative that they are tested regularly,” said Brad Taylor, General Manager at Kidde and a 20-year veteran firefighter. “Landlords have a duty to ensure their properties remain compliant, and our new alarm control switch simplifies this process across all Kidde FIREX hardwired alarms, supporting more effective management of life safety devices.” For more information about the RTHL Fire and CO Alarm Control Switch and Kidde’s full range of fire safety solutions, visit: www.kidde.com/fire-safety/en/uk/.
New format of pan-disability football in England
A brand-new format of grassroots disability football for adults has been introduced today by England Football. Launching on International Day of Persons with Disabilities [3 December 2025], Learn to Play Disability is the first-ever tailored sessional football programme available for adults 16+ with pan-disabilities who want to learn how to play football, with coaches trained specifically to lead each session. Amongst the first to experience the new format, BAFTA-winning actor and comedian, Jack Carroll, and England Partially Sighted footballer, Adam Lione, joined players and coaches at West Riding FA near Leeds to take part in the inaugural Learn to Play Disability session. There, they spoke to coaches newly trained to deliver the format about the importance of increasing opportunities in sport for adults living with a disability or impairment. Comedian and actor Jack, who was born with cerebral palsy, noted the impact the new disability-specific format will have for adults looking for a route into football. He said: “You can really see that the demand and desire for this kind of coached football is there, and that England Football are matching that through the introduction of these non-competitive sessions. People are engaging with disability football at different levels, and all levels are now catered for. People living with disabilities will now feel that they’ve got the ability to enter and play football at whatever level they feel comfortable.” An England Para player for the past 14 years, Adam Lione’s first experience of disability football was playing in a pan-disability team at the age of 15. He said: “I’m sure there are so many people who acquired their disability later in life and thought ‘my days of playing sport are done’, or others who have lived with an impairment their whole lives and haven’t quite found that place where they feel comfortable in sport. “This programme is a great initiative and offers a route into football where people can come and be themselves and harness their skills in a safe and supportive environment. I think the coaches will learn so much too, and through the new training will understand how to better engage with and adapt their sessions for the players in from of them.” Until now, the main route into playing football for adults with a disability has been to play competitively by joining an affiliated disability team. With a thriving network of 2200+ pan-disability teams across England, more disabled players are registered now than ever before. Grassroots football has seen a huge growth in both adoption and opportunity in all forms of disability football in England over the past year. The number of players accessing disability football has increased by 9.57% in the past 12 months, with England Football meeting this demand by increasing opportunities across all disability formats by 15.3% in the same period. Two years ago, England Football launched Comets, the first tailored programme of its kind designed for 5–11-year-olds with pan-disabilities. Since 2023, nearly 300 new providers have completed the required training and now offer opportunities for children to play football in a safe and fun environment. Learn to Play Disability aims to build on this success and offer a similar growth in access to flexible and inclusive opportunities for adult participants.
World record South Pole ski expedition
This December, multi-record-breaking adaptive adventurer Darren Edwards will attempt a new world record by completing the longest sit-ski expedition in the history of polar exploration to raise money to find a cure for Spinal Cord Injury. Paralysed from the chest down and operating at the absolute limit of what is possible for someone with a high-level Spinal Cord Injury (SCI), Darren’s epic attempt to reach the South Pole will see him sit-ski 222 kilometres in just 20 days in -30 degree temperatures. Currently, the furthest distance travelled by a sit-ski to reach the South Pole is 111 kilometres, making this a gargantuan undertaking. Starting at 88° South and ending at 90° South, the Geographical South Pole, Darren will be supported by a team of adventurers made up of British Explorer Lucy Shepherd, Chief Scout Dwayne Fields and award-winning film maker Matthew Biggar. Antarctica is a dangerous place for anyone, let alone someone with a high-level Spinal Cord Injury. Skiing through the day and camping at night, the team will be unsupported, facing the risk of extreme temperatures, altitude sickness, exhaustion, and adverse environmental conditions including sastrugi, high winds, snowstorms, and crevasses. Yet beyond the immense physical and logistical challenges, this expedition carries a deeper purpose. Darren’s mission is not only to break records but to break down barriers, challenge perceptions of disability and empower others to redefine the impossible in their own lives. Darren hopes to raise £100,000 for the charity ‘Wings for Life’ which seeks to find a cure for Spinal Cord Injury, and funds research and clinical trials globally – with astonishing results.
Help Visually Impaired Youngsters Unlock Their ‘Superpowers’
This Christmas, a leading sight loss charity, is calling on the public to help visually impaired children discover their hidden superpowers that can transform their lives. One inspiring example is 19-year-old Jemima Billam, who went from feeling isolated in mainstream education to thriving with confidence and independence after finding her own ‘superpower’ at Edinburgh’s Royal Blind School. Living with Bardet–Biedl Syndrome and Retinitis Pigmentosa, Jemima describes her time at the Royal Blind School as “life-changing.” The specialist support she received helped her rebuild self-belief and prepare for an exciting new chapter at the Royal National College for the Blind (RNC). Before joining the Royal Blind School, Jemima lacked confidence, struggled socially, and found schoolwork increasingly challenging. Everything changed when she began a split placement at the Royal Blind School in 2022, later transitioning to full-time residential attendance in August 2024. Her parents, Jayne and Lloyd, say the transformation has been remarkable. Jayne, explains: “We have watched Jemima grow into a young woman who is ready to live independently. She has come so far. Previously, Jemima was isolated and anxious. She struggled to get the right support in mainstream school. But everything changed when she started at the Royal Blind School. She learned independent living skills, grew socially, and discovered braille – which she calls her “superpower.” She can now read, write, and express herself through poetry. Drama and mindfulness have also helped her manage her anxiety and frustration. “The Royal Blind School has been like an extended family. The school gave Jemima independence, friends, and the ability to believe in and speak up for herself. Without that, she would not be going into further education. The Royal Blind School has given her more than education – it provided her with community, belonging and trust. She found her ‘tribe’ there. Now she is ready for RNC, with the skills, friendships, and independence she has gained.” Prior to leaving the Royal Blind School, Jemima wrote a few words describing her time there: “Qualified Teachers of Children and Young People with Vision Impairment (QTVI) are gold dust. They ‘get me’ like mainstream teachers never did and gave me the freedom to learn on my own and at my own speed – that makes me much more independent. I am more confident and have a future now that I never dreamed possible before the Royal Blind School. “They taught me Braille – it is my superpower – which lets me read and write again and now I can learn and grow but just see in a different way. I can now use my cane to move around on my own and can talk about my feelings better because QTVI teachers understand me – I love drama and mindfulness and chilling at the Royal Blind School as it makes me feel calm. All the QTVI teachers at the school have helped me grow and I wish there were more near me and in schools and colleges. I am lucky to go to RNC to continue school, but it is so far away. “When people ask me if I want my sight back, I say ‘NO’ because I see better now than before and I really found my tribe at the Royal Blind School.” Sight Scotland is now sharing Jemima’s inspiring journey as part of its Winter Appeal, calling on the public to help ensure that more children and young people with visual impairments across Scotland receive the vital support they need. The need has never been greater. While the number of children living with visual impairment is rising, the support available to them is falling short. Jemima’s journey, and discovering her ‘superpower,’ was only possible because of the specialist education and care provided by Sight Scotland. Through its Royal Blind School and Outreach services, the charity is helping hundreds of children build confidence, independence, and a brighter future. But the charity cannot do it alone and it needs your help. With your support, it can continue to provide life-changing education and help more children to unlock their superpowers. Please donate today online at sightscotland.org.uk or call Sight Scotland’s fundraising team on 0131 446 3089.
“Wheels of Change” – Viatris
Viatris employees join forces to build wheelchairs for communities in need Hatfield – November 21, 2025 – Viatris UK, part of global healthcare company Viatris Inc. (Nasdaq: VTRS), came together with the Herts Disability Sports Foundation (HDSF) and former GB athlete Ella Beaumont today, to construct and assemble sports wheelchairs for children and young people living with disabilities. According to the UK’s leading charity for young wheelchair users, Whizz Kidz, more than 1,000 children are waiting for the right wheelchair or piece of mobility equipment (1). Viatris is a leading volume supplier of medicines in the UK (2), and through the efforts of their European, philanthropic programme “#BuildingHealthierCommunities”, will bring lasting relief to children and their families. Over the course of the day, employees spanning Viatris’ local and global business units, came together to assemble wheelchairs, working side-by-side with representatives from the Herts Disability Sports Foundation, who shared their lived experiences and expertise. The initiative not only delivered practical support in the form of mobility aids, but also fostered greater understanding and awareness of the daily challenges faced by people with disabilities in accessing and joining in sports. Melissa Fisher, Country Manager for Viatris United Kingdom explained: “Our Building Healthier Communities initiative goes beyond building sports wheelchairs – it’s about creating opportunity and enabling access to movement. We’re proud that our employees are contributing their time and energy to make a tangible difference, and we are grateful to Herts Disability Sports Foundation and Ella Beaumont for partnering with us to bring this initiative to life.” The sports wheelchairs will be distributed to charities and individuals across the UK, many of whom face barriers to mobility and limited access to assistive technologies. For recipients, the chairs represent more than physical support – they provide freedom of movement, access to sport, and the chance to take part in inclusive activities that build confidence, wellbeing, and connection with others. “At HDSF, we believe access to sport changes lives – it builds confidence, community and independence,” said Ros Cramp, Charity Director at Herts Disability Sports Foundation (HDSF). “Partnering with Viatris allows us to reach even more young people and families who too often miss out. These sports wheelchairs aren’t just equipment, they’re enablers of inclusion.” Ella Beaumont, personal trainer at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, the birthplace of the paralympic movement, and herself a former GB athlete added: “As someone who relies on a sports wheelchair, I know how transformative the right equipment can be. It’s not just about taking part – it’s about unlocking potential, chasing goals, and experiencing the pure joy of sport. The right chair gives you the freedom to push beyond limits and the confidence to believe in what’s possible. Seeing so many people come together to build sports wheelchairs is a powerful reminder of how access can spark opportunity, ambition, and dreams.” Viatris’ #BuildingHealthierCommunities initiative aims to engage employees across Europe, together with healthcare partners, in social and environmental projects that create visible impact within the local communities they serve. Every initiative – from volunteering to fundraising – helps strengthen communities and improve lives. This year, across Europe, more than 50 events have taken place, involving over 1,700 colleagues volunteering more than 4,800 hours of their time to local causes. With a mission to empower people worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life, Viatris was also recognised as a Great Place To Work (3) in the UK for 2025 and a Top Employer (4) in the UK for the third consecutive year, which is a testament to the company’s continued dedication to creating an excellent workplace that puts people first. (1) https://www.whizz-kidz.org.uk/childhood-cant-wait/stories-of-childhood-on-hold/ (2) Based on internal analysis by Viatris using data from the following source: IQVIA MIDAS® Monthly volume sales data (units) in the UK for the period MAT July 2025 reflecting estimates of real-world activity. Copyright IQVIA. All rights reserved. (3) https://www.greatplacetowork.co.uk/certified-company/1575849 (4) https://www.top-employers.com/employer/viatris-uk/
Parents of Disabled Children Endure Unseen Burdens
UK Families Face Overwhelming Struggles as Parents of Disabled Children Endure Unseen Burdens Noble Live-In Care, part of City & County Healthcare, is highlighting the profound emotional, financial, and mental health challenges faced by parents caring for disabled children across the UK. These families are grappling with overwhelming responsibilities, often without seeking help due to guilt, stigma, or a lack of awareness about available support options. Nearly 1.8 million disabled children in the UK are cared for at home, and the impact on parent-carers is staggering. Research shows that 79% of carers feel stressed or anxious, with 49% experiencing depression, while around half report feeling socially isolated. Over half of parent-carers (54%) have seen their physical health deteriorate due to the demands of caregiving, including chronic fatigue, poor sleep, and strain-related ailments. The financial pressures are equally severe. Many parent-careers have had to reduce or give up paid work, leading to an average annual loss of £21,174. Disabled households frequently spend around £1,599 every six months on additional costs, and 44% report being unable to meet day-to-day living expenses even while receiving disability benefits. Only 7% of carers are able to work full-time, and many parents juggle second jobs or extra hours just to make ends meet, often at the expense of personal hobbies, social life, and their own wellbeing. Despite these hardships, many parents are reluctant to place their children in full-time residential care, feeling a deep sense of guilt or fearing the loss of family connection. The lack of accessible support, combined with insufficient government assistance and limited respite care, leaves families exhausted and isolated, struggling to maintain both their child’s wellbeing and their own. Kirsty Prendiville Lawes, Operations Manager at Noble Live-In Care, commented: “The emotional and physical toll on parents caring for disabled children is immense. Live-in care offers a compassionate and empowering solution that supports the individual while preserving the wellbeing of the entire family. Families don’t have to face these challenges alone, and raising awareness of these options is crucial.” Noble Live-In Care encourages families to explore live-in care as a long-term solution that can protect health, financial stability, and quality of family life. By offering professional in-home support, parents can continue caregiving with dignity and balance while preserving their own wellbeing.
Soccer coach who lost limbs to rare flesh eating disease
The extraordinary journey of quad amputee Scott Martin, a rising college soccer coach whose life was forever changed by a sudden and devastating illness, has been revealed in his deeply personal memoirs, Play From Your Heart. Once a man defined by his athleticism, energy, and passion for the game, Martin’s trajectory was abruptly derailed when he was struck down by a rare, flesh-eating bacterial infection. The infection ravaged his body, forcing doctors to amputate both of his hands and portions of his feet. While they told him he was lucky to be alive, survival was only the beginning of a much longer and more grueling battle – a fight to reclaim not just his health, but his sense of self, purpose, and belonging in the world. The memoir opens with the raw and disorienting aftermath of Martin’s illness, as he grapples with the reality of life without the physical tools that once defined him. The soccer field, once his domain of control and creativity, suddenly feels unreachable. He must relearn the most basic actions – how to move, how to communicate, how to teach – while confronting waves of frustration, grief, and uncertainty. Yet amid this physical and emotional devastation, Martin begins to rebuild. Through perseverance, humour, and an unrelenting desire to return to the sport he loves, he starts piecing his life back together one hard-fought step at a time. Martin’s story unfolds across a twenty-five-year odyssey marked by both pain and perseverance. His recovery is not just a medical challenge but a deeply human one, encompassing legal struggles, personal loss, and moments of profound introspection. The book delves into his experiences in hospital rooms and courtrooms, where he must fight not only for his body but also for his rights and his dignity. These battles are juxtaposed with moments of resilience and rediscovery – his return to coaching, his reconnection with the rhythms of the game, and his growing understanding that true strength extends far beyond physical ability. Eventually, Martin finds new purpose through coaching a group of underdog twelve-year-olds. At first, the task seems impossible: how could he, a coach without hands, meaningfully lead and inspire young athletes? But through his sheer determination, creativity, and empathy, Martin not only adapts but thrives. He channels his own experiences of loss and endurance into lessons that transcend sport. Under his guidance, the “rag tag” team of kids learns to play with heart, unity, and courage – qualities that ultimately carry them to an undefeated state championship. This triumph, though smaller in scale than his earlier collegiate ambitions, represents something far greater: a victory of spirit over circumstance, and of love over limitation. Throughout Play From Your Heart, Martin’s voice is marked by unflinching honesty and surprising humour. He refuses to romanticise his suffering or portray himself as a victim. Instead, he confronts each setback with grace and wit, revealing the contradictions of recovery – the moments of absurdity amid despair, the unexpected kindness of strangers, and the stubborn flicker of joy that refuses to die. His writing captures not only the physical pain of rehabilitation but also the spiritual rebirth that comes from redefining one’s identity and rediscovering one’s purpose. At its core, the memoir is about endurance – both physical and emotional – and the power of sport as a vehicle for healing. Soccer becomes a metaphor for life itself: unpredictable, demanding, and at times cruel, yet always capable of beauty and redemption. Martin’s journey demonstrates that even when the body fails, the human spirit remains undefeated. The book celebrates the resilience that emerges when a person faces the unthinkable and still chooses to stand up again, not just to survive, but to live fully and passionately. Play From Your Heart offers readers more than a story of personal recovery; it’s a meditation on the meaning of perseverance, community, and love. It challenges traditional ideas of success and strength, showing that true victory lies not in physical perfection but in the courage to keep going when everything seems lost. Whether read as a sports memoir, an inspirational tale, or a reflection on the human condition, the book leaves readers with a lasting message: that the game of life, like soccer, is not about avoiding defeat, but about how we choose to play through it – with heart, grace, and an unwavering belief in what’s possible.
Publicly owned train operators leading the way on accessibility
Following publication of the government’s Accessibility Roadmap last week, train operators in public ownership are highlighting how they are already turning that vision into reality. The Accessibility Roadmap outlines a long-term vision for a more accessible railway and was published alongside the Railways Bill which sets out plans to overhaul Britain’s rail network through the creation of Great British Railways (GBR). Throughout 2025, the seven train operators now in public ownership have delivered a wide range of accessibility improvements to ensure that rail travel works for everyone. Accessibility improvements across the network in 2025 include: Andrew McClements, customer experience and transformation director at TransPennine Express, said: “Everyone, everywhere deserves a railway that works for them. Making our network truly accessible is the collective mission of all train operators in public ownership. “The government’s Accessibility Roadmap rightly highlights many of the changes, like improving the digital journey for people with visual impairments and driving key infrastructure upgrades, that are being trailblazed through common ownership. A lot has been done, but we know we can do better. “Together, publicly owned operators will collaborate and innovate to chart the path outlined in the Government’s roadmap, as we continue the journey to Great British Railways.” As the Railways Bill moves forward and Great British Railways takes shape, these improvements show what can be achieved when accessibility is placed at the heart of rail reform. https://www.tpexpress.co.uk