Italian Music Festivals Fail Accessibility: Lato A Report Reveals Communication Barriers

The association Caratteri Cubitali, through its research group Lato A, published the 2025 report 'Non c’è, non si trova, non esiste' on the accessibility of 100 Italian music festivals. The study found that 51% of festivals lack a dedicated accessibility section on their website, 71% have no specific email for accessibility inquiries, 89% do not declare accessible toilets, and 96% do not specify if personal medical devices are allowed. The report highlights that accessibility begins online, following the principle of the UK organization Attitude is Everything. It also notes that 24% of festivals request excessive medical certifications, violating GDPR. The research involved a multidisciplinary team including activists, accessibility professionals, and people with disabilities. The European Accessibility Act, effective June 2025, mandates compliance. A positive example is the Ypsigrock Festival in Sicily's Madonie mountains, which prioritizes clear accessibility information. The report calls for integrating accessibility from the design phase and involving disabled people in co-design.