[Source: BBC]
A Girls Aloud fan says getting tickets to their concert was such a stressful pleasure that he almost missed the opportunity.
George Plumridge, who suffers from retinitis pigmentosa and night blindness, said Ticketmaster’s website is “really inaccessible” and that, despite all the tools, he “just couldn’t do it. “
He said he had managed to book e-tickets for theatre shows in the West End because his internet sites use a separate accessibility platform and said Ticketmaster “takes inspiration from his e-book”.
Ticketmaster said the viability of its site and making sure enthusiasts have equivalent occasions is of paramount importance.
Mr Plumridge, 32, from Pontyclun, Rhondda Cynon Taf, was diagnosed with the disease at the age of 8 and said he was so pressured while booking tickets for Girls Aloud that he ended up wasting his time.
“You have to be so fast on the spot, you stand in line and this timer makes you panic.
“I didn’t fill in the boxes well, because obviously I didn’t know where to write what, and I ended up wasting my time.
“I tried it because I thought I had the tools, I have my screen reader and a huge monitor, so how could I do it?But I just couldn’t,” he said.
She added that it was frustrating because it didn’t have to be that way, and not being able to do something undeniable like e-book tickets and having to rely on someone else took away her independence.
“I booked tickets to the West End to take my niece to see Frozen, and their booking is very different.
“They have a separate platform, and all I had to do was check in and show evidence of my disability and then book, it was an absolutely relaxing experience.
“I was able to electronically book disabled access tickets and tickets for my niece and my family members who were accompanying me. It’s a lot easier. “
He said Ticketmaster would gain advantages from a concept.
“It would reduce a lot of tension and allow me to get tickets independently without having to rely on other people.
“I understand that there are tickets for other people with disabilities, but if your disability doesn’t affect your eyesight, you can still temporarily browse the website, but with a visual impairment it’s just impossible,” she said.
Plumridge said he was concerned about potential disruption at the shows, even though he had attended for years.
“I’m scared to pass and my first thought is, ‘Am I passing to pass?Or am I passing by to do something that will save me from entering?
“It’s things like the bouncers waving at you when you’re waiting in line, or the queue moves and I can’t see, and then you scan them and make sure I’m doing it right, or you bump into someone.
“Because it’s dark, it’s harder for me to see, and one thing I experienced at a party was that I was denied access because the staff thought my pupils weren’t dilating like other people’s because of my disability, so I’m worried about that all the time,” she said.
He says he uses a cane because it makes him feel comfortable, but he doubts a bit that would make him a target for pickpockets.
And when it comes to deciding on tickets, status or occupancy have their pros and cons.
“When I’m seated I feel safer because of the area I’m assigned, however I’m worried about tiered stages and I like to dance, so I choose to stand.
“There are tickets for people with disabilities, but you can only go with one person, and I understand why, but you just need to enjoy a concert with a group of friends. “
However, Plumridge said that regardless of the obstacles, being able to attend a concert is “incredible. “
“It’s about the environment and the being to listen to it. I like to feel the music and the rhythm, to be with the fans. The buzz you get.
“I just can’t wait to see Girls Aloud come together and perform. “
“Ticketing sites, organisers and venues will need to pay attention to other blind and visually impaired people in order to find effective solutions. If other live reports can do things just as well, there’s no excuse for live music to continue to malfunction. .
What does Ticketmaster do for accessibility?
Andrew Parsons, managing director of Ticketmaster UK, said: “Ticketmaster was the first ticketing agent to offer tickets available online in 2019.
“We are reviewing our processes and taking into account all feedback to make as much innovation as possible.
“Our fan support team is available to help, and we inspire any fan to contact us if they need help at any time. “