As part of our We Stand For You program to tackle prejudice and discrimination, Coty was proud to sponsor the accessibility area at the Global Citizen festival for the second year in a row.
1. Let’s start with you. You live with a disability yourself - was there a particular experience that inspired you to start McGuire Associates?
It was a combination of becoming disabled at the age of seven in 1968 -- I was struck by an intoxicated driver -- which was in the dark ages of disability rights; working for both Senator Ted Kennedy and Congressman Hamilton Fish, Jr; and receiving a law degree that convinced me to create my consulting firm.
2. What does ADA stand for?
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) stands for access -- and was first passed in 1990, enabling people with disabilities to be adequately protected when trying to access public spaces or seeking employment and educational opportunities. It provides guidelines that businesses must follow to accommodate both staff and patrons.
3. Last year was the first year that the Global Citizen Festival had an ADA area. Can you explain what that means? And for those people coming to the festival with a disability, what will be different this year?
Large festivals, especially those with music, have unique attributes. Because of the large number of people attending, many who may have to stand, we need to ensure people with disabilities have comparable sightlines to other audience members. That’s why we have an ADA section near the front of the stage with a dedicated team of staff as well as American Sign Language Interpreters. Anyone who wants access to that area must fill out the ADA request form that addresses wheelchair requirements, assistive listening devices and more. Global Citizen has also set up an Accessibility Center Check-In where they can collect their wristbands, ask questions and get support. The ADA section will also have six accessible toilets.
4. How can we all be more conscious of different needs at any live music event?
You don’t have to go far in a family tree to have a member with a disability. It could be a grandparent, parent, aunt/uncle, cousin, sibling or a friend. That alone should make people sensitive to the needs of someone with a disability and we encourage people to be aware and help out if necessary.
5. What’s your best advice for a person with a disability at a festival?
Plan ahead. Contact the venue/operators beforehand, if needed, to ensure they properly understand how specific disabilities can best be accommodated.
6. What should people without disabilities know about the experiences of the disability community at a festival event?
The non-disabled should know people with disabilities simply want to experience events in a seamless, inclusive environment.
7. Where can I learn more?
GC has created a comprehensive ADA Info page that both articulates disabled-related offerings and allows guests to submit specific questions. You can also visit the ADA.gov homepage, access-board.gov, or mcguireassociatesinc.com for more information.
