Over 250 staff members at the Pleasance — one of the festival’s largest venues — received specialized training to better assist blind and partially sighted visitors. The educational session covers practical guidance techniques, communication strategies, and an understanding of common eye conditions. The Pleasance is also piloting new accommodations, including enhanced audio-described performances and pre-show auditory context notes, while also creating a tailored venue guide for visually impaired guests.
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival’s initiative builds on findings from Sight Scotland’s 2024 Accessible Venues Report, which identified key barriers — from inadequate audio descriptions and poor venue navigation to untrained personnel.
Image Credit: Edinburgh Festival Fringe
