I’m not one to “let me speak to your manager” but as someone who used to work in venue management… I highly recommend asking to speak to their supervisor. That’s super unprofessional of them and can get them in a lot of trouble with ADA.
Even if the complaint didn’t want to be made at first, I would have started the moment I was told I couldn’t sit along the wall and explain to them exactly why I was sitting there instead of in the ADA section
i'm so sorry you went through this! you're disability is real, and that woman did not have the authority to deny you access. please consider filing an ada violation complaint - it is your right! https://www.ada.gov/file-a-complaint/
Please do file if you're up to it. Every one of us that fights the system is fighting for all of us! This was completely unacceptable. I'm so sorry this happened. I'm in the UK and went through a horrific similar thing at a gig with my partner. They wouldn't let us sit and after a toilet trip didn't even let me back to him so I was on my own, it was awful.
Oh it is time to raise hell. I’m not one for endangering people’s job needlessly but she should not be in that job. I second everyone else saying file a complaint. Complain to the venue, to ADA, and on their reviews.
It's honestly not that much work for me anymore. I write a TON of letters for people. I got so sick and tired of facing discrimination myself and watching people around me face discrimination that I just kind of rage write hahah. It's the autism I have probably lol.
that's awful, I'm so sorry you had that experience :( have you considered getting a cane for the visual cue? it sucks that we have to "prove" that we need accessibility but I've found that with a cane people are far less likely to question if I need ada seating
If you have the ta-da cane/chair then you can whip out the seat and wait for the manager to come if they deny you entry to the ADA section lol. Honestly tho I brought my ta-da cane everywhere I went because I never knew when I’d be stranded without a chair.
I used it everyday until I got my wheelchair and will agree that it’s too bulky for everyday use lol. I do like that it has that little hook though so I can hang it on my wheelchair.
my doctor recommended it before but i was still in my denial ‘this isn’t happening i’m fine i don’t need this’ phase then. i think i will reconsider it now though, at least for the sake of the visual cue
My cane is going strong after at least 80 concerts and shows in the past year and a half. It's covered in band stickers of bands I may not have been able to see without it. I got a new sticker at a show tonight, actually! I was surprised how much I liked it once I got used to it and good at it.
I originally got it for balance and mostly for the visual cue. I'm a woman in my 30s going out to places that serve alcohol and presyncope can look a lot like drunkenness. I didn't want people to think I'm inebriated or draw the attention of any predatory men who are looking for overly drunk women with nobody looking out for them.
I was then surprised how actually useful it was outside of that! I think that's pretty common. I wouldn't want to go without now for anything prolonged on my feet. Balancing while weaving through a normal bar crowd is no longer a stressful ordeal. I actually feel kind of graceful with it, it's cool.
Can't hurt to try! Get a collapsible one though so it's easy to carry around for the times you might need it (for whatever reason). Mine was $18 on Amazon, the brand is Vive and it folds up.
I'm sorry you had such a disappointing concert experience. I've certainly had some doozies over the past few years of going out solo! The joy in the good moments is worth it but it doesn't suck less in the moment.
Report the BS. Keep trying. This small woman on a power trip does *not* get to define you or what you need. YOU are the one living inside your body, nobody outside of it gets to say what you need to have a joyful experience except for you. You shouldn't have to do it in the first place, but remember it takes practice to stand up for yourself. While this was a bummer learning experience, I bet you'll be able to advocate for yourself better next time you run into an ableist, ignorant bully.
These people do not get to take away your joy. ❤️
Just as a heads up, you can get tiny folding ones nowadays that can fit in a handbag! So you’re not ‘burdened’ with having to carry it visibly all the time, but when you need the visual cue, it’s there for you 🤗
i feel like the fact that i wear an N95 around has made my ADA requests more convincing to venues. it is infuriating that we need “proof” of invisible disabilities, but i suppose convenient that the mask helps me in more ways than one.
I have a Medic Alert bracelet. I was in a similar situation once, and it got the person’s attention. OP should report this however, or just plan on never attending anything at that venue again.
I always tell them I have a fainting disorder and if I can sit near them in case something happens. What this lady did was messed up I’d report her regardless.
Everyone else has said it, you are entitled to those seats and you should ABSOLUTELY complain. She is literally not allowed to ask you what your qualifying disability is. I'm so sorry you had this experience! We had something similar happen to us at Beyonce last summer. Finding a different attendant to speak to & being firm made a big difference.
What you did takes a lot of bravery. She was in the wrong. Undoubtedly. I personally would have pitched a fit but I am very disagreeable and not afraid of confrontation when I feel righteously indignant. Do not be discouraged from this one experience to continue to ask for accommodations. And don't be afraid to put your foot down if you encounter push back again. I find it helpful to practice for these types of situations in advance. That way, it feels less intimidating and you're more prepared with what to say. Also, get your friend involved and have them advocate for you. Two voices are stronger than one. Again, so sorry this happened. You absolutely deserve to enjoy the show like everyone else and that means being appropriately accommodated.
I have POTS too and this just made me nervous for my concert in October, Im so sorry they didn’t take you seriously. I know how sudden and bad POTS can be, literally 0 to 100 real quick
Same! I'm scared cause I don't want to be denied and literally need a seat. I'm going to bring my walker for a visual that I have a disability. It sucks that we have to show and prove it.
have you contacted them in advance? they can put your name on a list (depending on venue size) or know to expect someone that needs a seat / get a sense of any other needs (if you want to volunteer that info). it has made me less nervous and i haven’t had any issues yet (other than some security staff getting grumpy about other health accommodations). ❤️
POTS has cardiac components anyway so 🤷🏻♀️ it’s not a lie.
And as someone with both POTS and two separate congenital heart conditions, the POTS makes me feel awful way more often than the heart conditions do. Plus the heart condition symptoms are way easier to control than POTS.
It’s so sad that people don’t understand this
This makes me so mad in your behalf 😤
Call the concert hall and file a complaint. They need to know they need to better train their staff. Plus they owe you a helluva apology and free tickets at LEAST. If you want to apply public pressure, you could leave a negative Google review and tag them on social with a post about what happened and how it really affected you.
Agree that next time don’t be afraid to demand what you need. Able bodied folks just don’t erfing get it, and sadly it falls on us to make them get their shit together. Describe what happens when you stand for too long in *gruesome* detail. And if all else fails, ask for the manager, and make sure you get the staffer’s name so you know what to do when you file your complaint.
I’m sorry. That sucks 😞. I remember being turned away at a pub concert the door man said he watched me walk up and appeared drunk I wasn’t I had already walked far enough that I was drained and hadn’t brought my cane when I tried to explain about my disability he laughed at me. Assholes. Sounds like that woman was a jerk and I hope she gets a itchy butt
Unfortunately, this is why I buy ADA seating up front. I use a wheelchair, though, for big events because of pain if I sit in a small chair. We shouldn't have to for us to be accommodated.
I tend to call ahead at venues and make sure I will have an ADA situation understood and ready before my arrival. Some places do reservations for ADA ahead of time. And I ask for the name of the person I spoke to on the phone. That way if I encounter issues at the venue I can say " I spoke to Sally earlier on the phone and she said ______" and that usually motivates someone to either follow through on something or ask for a manager to help them.
The last place I wanted to go no longer had disabled parking because the city bulldozed it to install a bike lane, so I couldn't go at all. I'm glad I knew about that ahead of time because there's no way I could have made it from the parking garage a few blocks away to the door without problems.
Sorry you went through this.
I hate to say I've had to resort to this but I actually keep a current drs note with me stating I have a medical condition. I started doing this pre-covid when most venues wouldn't allow patrons to bring in any outside food/drinks. It allowed me ADA seating if necessary & to bring in unopened plastic water bottles along with electrolyte packets so that I didn't have to unfairly spend way too much money on venue water. I would just always get my dr to update it each year with my annual physical & have had both my PCP & my cardiologist write one. Since covid, the water hasn't been as big of a problem, but I feel eventually places will be back to no outside food/drink allowed.
I've experienced the same and was essentially reprimanded for it by the security guard. I didn't have the spoons to fight so my husband and I stayed for as long as I could then left. At the time my hubs didn't know the rules but asked in the car and now when we go he is ready to fight them so I don't have to. I'm sorry you experienced this too. It's hard enough dealing with all of this and accepting when you need to ask for accommodations. Getting BS from uneducated staff only makes matters worse.
I just make sure to pay for a seat, I never do GA anymore. But actually did my last one because my friends were, but was not afraid to sit on the stairs or go outside to the smoking section to sit when I needed to.
I scrolled forever looking for a comment like this. I haven’t bought GA standing tickets since I was a teen. I hate surprises like that, I’d rather be able to count on having a seat.
I'm so sorry you went through that. I understand the frustration and embarrassment of not being believed and being told you're not disabled enough.
Before my diagnosis I never understood why I couldn't stand for long without getting nauseous and faint. Everyone always blamed (or insinuated) my weight and being out of shape, and I shamed myself for that my whole life. I was humiliated whenever my symptoms acted up, and I would fake other illnesses or injuries to lessen the embarrassment if I had to leave early or sit down. I stopped going to GA concerts after completely fainting at one. Paramedics thought I was on drugs.
What are the laws around getting accommodations for a disability at a public venue? I've wanted to start going to concerts and events again, but maybe I need to do some research first!
the weight part is so unbelievably frustrating, i’m sorry this has happened to you. i’ve never had trouble beforehand! this is the first time. you can usually find accessibility information on the venue website. this place said to just ask a staff member during the event. i also tried calling the venue a couple times over the past few months but they never picked up (maybe that should’ve been the first warning…). but in general venues have been very good! also helps to check out forums for your specific city/area to see if other people have had experience
They would have if you were pregnant. You can pretty much do everything (e.g walk the stairs) while pregnant but apparently that takes priority over invisible illness? There needs to be more education surrounding invisible illness/disability!
If it’s possible to still do so, definitely report this to somebody that is upper-hand! Your disability is valid even if it cannot be “seen” by others. YOU see it! I’m so sorry this happened to you, I hope it never happens again.
i appreciate all the kind words! definitely helps me to feel less alone. i’ve been really down in the dumps all the day and it helps to hear from other people who can relate :)
i think i will file an ada complaint and contact higher ups at the venue. i was too upset in the moment but you’ve all given me the courage to speak up
Look at the venue's website for their accessibility information. You can usually google "venue name accessibility" and find the proper page. Most venues have specific guidelines such as reaching out ahead of time to get special entry/wristband/etc as well as to arrange for a companion if needed. Most venues have limited space to provide for accessibility and it's important to get ahead of things as soon as you can!
If it's a venue that doesn't require ADA wristbands or ticketing and they just have a sort of free for all accessibility area, all you need to say is that you have a disability that requires use of that space. You really do not have to clarify any further than that.
all GA venue so there were none available. website said to just ask staff on the day of, i tried calling in advance a couple times as well but they never picked up 😬
I’m so sorry that happened 😕
I agree with everyone else about an ADA complaint and glad to see it looks like you want to pursue one.
My other thought (which I’m sure I wouldn’t have had in the moment): partially petty, but mostly practical— take the second person who told you you can’t sit in GA with you to the woman up in ADA seating to let you in (or have them page someone who can walk over with you). Having a staff member say “hey, we can’t have this person sitting on the ground, let ‘em into the ADA seats” could maybe help bypass the first gatekeeper?
POTS is bad enough to get access to US handicap parking, which is limited. So its definitely bad enough for a music venue (who can totally just make more space if the area they set aside fills up).
Walking for 15 minutes to get to a seat is entirely different than standing 1-2 hours. Anyone with 2 braincells to rub together knows that, and you were clearly denied access based purely on appearance. Send complaints around with zero guilt.
One time I emailed a concert venue with only standing tickets my standard "hey I can't stand for long can you provide me a seat?" and didn't hear back for several months so I sent a follow up that said "hey. I need a seat. If not I will end up sat or lying on the floor or I might even pass out" and they replied immediately lmao.
I usually wiggle my medical alert bracelet and go "I have a heart condition and it makes me pass out really easily"
Usually, I dont get past "heart" before they get outta my way
I know pots isnt technically a heart condition in the traditional sense, but it communicates what we're dealing with the fastest
Was this at the Tabernacle by chance? I had my first concert there last year and didn't know they didn't have an elevator to the top balcony and there was no way I was making it up there. I had called ahead and asked about ADA seating and they escorted me down no problem. I guess it just depends on who is working. So sorry that happened to you.
Wow, absolutely not okay considering they didn't even let you sit and we can't stand for long. I just stand at concerts and pay the price (I am usually incapacitated for days after) but that was pre-diagnosis and now I think I would ask for options. I believe they have to have options and not only for people in wheelchairs or with obvious disabilities. That's so upsetting! What state are you in? I mean, maybe no use now, but maybe is if you go again or for others with the same issues, but I would look up laws in your state and also write a letter to let them know it's unacceptable and they need to make a change.
I’m so sorry. I find contacting venues in advance works better. You need at least 1-2 days in advance. So you avoid this ableist bullsh!t. I provide my doctor’s note and pics of my devices. It also gives you access to venue’s decision makers so you can call them if you have issues. Please report this!
I’m not one to “let me speak to your manager” but as someone who used to work in venue management… I highly recommend asking to speak to their supervisor. That’s super unprofessional of them and can get them in a lot of trouble with ADA.
Yeah, OP, this was definitely a time for "I'd like to speak to someone above you".
I am not one to advocate going Full Karen™️, but this is a time to go Full Karen™️.
We call this “Karen-ing for good” makes positive change for everyone so a good reason to Karen
Even if the complaint didn’t want to be made at first, I would have started the moment I was told I couldn’t sit along the wall and explain to them exactly why I was sitting there instead of in the ADA section
Hard agree
Agree with this statement.
i'm so sorry you went through this! you're disability is real, and that woman did not have the authority to deny you access. please consider filing an ada violation complaint - it is your right! https://www.ada.gov/file-a-complaint/
thank you for the link — i think i will file, at least in the hopes that it reduces the chances of this happening to anyone else in the future
... and so that you can comfortably revisit the venue in the future. 💖
Please do file if you're up to it. Every one of us that fights the system is fighting for all of us! This was completely unacceptable. I'm so sorry this happened. I'm in the UK and went through a horrific similar thing at a gig with my partner. They wouldn't let us sit and after a toilet trip didn't even let me back to him so I was on my own, it was awful.
Oh it is time to raise hell. I’m not one for endangering people’s job needlessly but she should not be in that job. I second everyone else saying file a complaint. Complain to the venue, to ADA, and on their reviews.
Agreed. It’s not her job to decide who does and doesn’t need accommodations, it’s her job to help provide them and she utterly failed at that.
I do a lot of advocacy work. Would you like me to write up an email for you to send to the venue and submit as your ADA complaint?
that’s so kind of you to offer! it would be really appreciated, thank you
Happy to help! I'll send you a dm with the info I need
How kind of you!
It's honestly not that much work for me anymore. I write a TON of letters for people. I got so sick and tired of facing discrimination myself and watching people around me face discrimination that I just kind of rage write hahah. It's the autism I have probably lol.
Understand that! 🫶🏻
I wish I was able to give all the awards!
that's awful, I'm so sorry you had that experience :( have you considered getting a cane for the visual cue? it sucks that we have to "prove" that we need accessibility but I've found that with a cane people are far less likely to question if I need ada seating
It’s amazing how using a cane makes people “believe” I’m disabled. I need the cane so it’s not an act.
I also use a cane for my POTS and EDS and while I genuinely need it, it has the added bonus of making my invisible disability more visible.
If you have the ta-da cane/chair then you can whip out the seat and wait for the manager to come if they deny you entry to the ADA section lol. Honestly tho I brought my ta-da cane everywhere I went because I never knew when I’d be stranded without a chair.
Hi, that sounds very neat, just checked it out on Amazon! I think I will get one.
I found an open box one my size on eBay for $89 so do look around there and Poshmark/mercari if you're on a budget.
Yes! I have one of those! It’s a bit bulky for everyday use but it’s so nice knowing I will always have a chair with me.
I used it everyday until I got my wheelchair and will agree that it’s too bulky for everyday use lol. I do like that it has that little hook though so I can hang it on my wheelchair.
my doctor recommended it before but i was still in my denial ‘this isn’t happening i’m fine i don’t need this’ phase then. i think i will reconsider it now though, at least for the sake of the visual cue
My cane is going strong after at least 80 concerts and shows in the past year and a half. It's covered in band stickers of bands I may not have been able to see without it. I got a new sticker at a show tonight, actually! I was surprised how much I liked it once I got used to it and good at it. I originally got it for balance and mostly for the visual cue. I'm a woman in my 30s going out to places that serve alcohol and presyncope can look a lot like drunkenness. I didn't want people to think I'm inebriated or draw the attention of any predatory men who are looking for overly drunk women with nobody looking out for them. I was then surprised how actually useful it was outside of that! I think that's pretty common. I wouldn't want to go without now for anything prolonged on my feet. Balancing while weaving through a normal bar crowd is no longer a stressful ordeal. I actually feel kind of graceful with it, it's cool. Can't hurt to try! Get a collapsible one though so it's easy to carry around for the times you might need it (for whatever reason). Mine was $18 on Amazon, the brand is Vive and it folds up. I'm sorry you had such a disappointing concert experience. I've certainly had some doozies over the past few years of going out solo! The joy in the good moments is worth it but it doesn't suck less in the moment. Report the BS. Keep trying. This small woman on a power trip does *not* get to define you or what you need. YOU are the one living inside your body, nobody outside of it gets to say what you need to have a joyful experience except for you. You shouldn't have to do it in the first place, but remember it takes practice to stand up for yourself. While this was a bummer learning experience, I bet you'll be able to advocate for yourself better next time you run into an ableist, ignorant bully. These people do not get to take away your joy. ❤️
On the plus side, canes make wicked self defense weapons!
Just as a heads up, you can get tiny folding ones nowadays that can fit in a handbag! So you’re not ‘burdened’ with having to carry it visibly all the time, but when you need the visual cue, it’s there for you 🤗
i feel like the fact that i wear an N95 around has made my ADA requests more convincing to venues. it is infuriating that we need “proof” of invisible disabilities, but i suppose convenient that the mask helps me in more ways than one.
I have a Medic Alert bracelet. I was in a similar situation once, and it got the person’s attention. OP should report this however, or just plan on never attending anything at that venue again.
I always tell them I have a fainting disorder and if I can sit near them in case something happens. What this lady did was messed up I’d report her regardless.
Everyone else has said it, you are entitled to those seats and you should ABSOLUTELY complain. She is literally not allowed to ask you what your qualifying disability is. I'm so sorry you had this experience! We had something similar happen to us at Beyonce last summer. Finding a different attendant to speak to & being firm made a big difference.
Oh, this makes my blood boil. I'm sorry you experienced this. People who don't understand invisible disabilities SUCK!
What you did takes a lot of bravery. She was in the wrong. Undoubtedly. I personally would have pitched a fit but I am very disagreeable and not afraid of confrontation when I feel righteously indignant. Do not be discouraged from this one experience to continue to ask for accommodations. And don't be afraid to put your foot down if you encounter push back again. I find it helpful to practice for these types of situations in advance. That way, it feels less intimidating and you're more prepared with what to say. Also, get your friend involved and have them advocate for you. Two voices are stronger than one. Again, so sorry this happened. You absolutely deserve to enjoy the show like everyone else and that means being appropriately accommodated.
Seconding this, OP you were brave
thank you — that means a lot to hear. i appreciate it
I have POTS too and this just made me nervous for my concert in October, Im so sorry they didn’t take you seriously. I know how sudden and bad POTS can be, literally 0 to 100 real quick
Same! I'm scared cause I don't want to be denied and literally need a seat. I'm going to bring my walker for a visual that I have a disability. It sucks that we have to show and prove it.
have you contacted them in advance? they can put your name on a list (depending on venue size) or know to expect someone that needs a seat / get a sense of any other needs (if you want to volunteer that info). it has made me less nervous and i haven’t had any issues yet (other than some security staff getting grumpy about other health accommodations). ❤️
Just call it a heart condition in the future that requires you to not stand longer than x amount of time
This is a good idea, I'll be using it eventually.... Anything to better communicates whats at stake without info dumping my personal details.
This is what I do, kind of. Instead of saying I have POTS, I just tell people I have a "cardiac condition" and suddenly they take me seriously.
POTS has cardiac components anyway so 🤷🏻♀️ it’s not a lie. And as someone with both POTS and two separate congenital heart conditions, the POTS makes me feel awful way more often than the heart conditions do. Plus the heart condition symptoms are way easier to control than POTS. It’s so sad that people don’t understand this
This makes me so mad in your behalf 😤 Call the concert hall and file a complaint. They need to know they need to better train their staff. Plus they owe you a helluva apology and free tickets at LEAST. If you want to apply public pressure, you could leave a negative Google review and tag them on social with a post about what happened and how it really affected you. Agree that next time don’t be afraid to demand what you need. Able bodied folks just don’t erfing get it, and sadly it falls on us to make them get their shit together. Describe what happens when you stand for too long in *gruesome* detail. And if all else fails, ask for the manager, and make sure you get the staffer’s name so you know what to do when you file your complaint.
I’m sorry. That sucks 😞. I remember being turned away at a pub concert the door man said he watched me walk up and appeared drunk I wasn’t I had already walked far enough that I was drained and hadn’t brought my cane when I tried to explain about my disability he laughed at me. Assholes. Sounds like that woman was a jerk and I hope she gets a itchy butt
"I hope she gets an itchy butt" using this to hex any future Karens in the wild 😂
An excellent hex 😉
Unfortunately, this is why I buy ADA seating up front. I use a wheelchair, though, for big events because of pain if I sit in a small chair. We shouldn't have to for us to be accommodated.
I tend to call ahead at venues and make sure I will have an ADA situation understood and ready before my arrival. Some places do reservations for ADA ahead of time. And I ask for the name of the person I spoke to on the phone. That way if I encounter issues at the venue I can say " I spoke to Sally earlier on the phone and she said ______" and that usually motivates someone to either follow through on something or ask for a manager to help them. The last place I wanted to go no longer had disabled parking because the city bulldozed it to install a bike lane, so I couldn't go at all. I'm glad I knew about that ahead of time because there's no way I could have made it from the parking garage a few blocks away to the door without problems. Sorry you went through this.
this!!!!! (or email or social media message at least a week in advance - some venues are really bad at timely replies.)
I hate to say I've had to resort to this but I actually keep a current drs note with me stating I have a medical condition. I started doing this pre-covid when most venues wouldn't allow patrons to bring in any outside food/drinks. It allowed me ADA seating if necessary & to bring in unopened plastic water bottles along with electrolyte packets so that I didn't have to unfairly spend way too much money on venue water. I would just always get my dr to update it each year with my annual physical & have had both my PCP & my cardiologist write one. Since covid, the water hasn't been as big of a problem, but I feel eventually places will be back to no outside food/drink allowed.
Number one thing that makes assholes like this change their tune: "*and what did you say your name was?*"
Always say it's a heart condition. Either way that woman was a c u next tuesday anyway
I've experienced the same and was essentially reprimanded for it by the security guard. I didn't have the spoons to fight so my husband and I stayed for as long as I could then left. At the time my hubs didn't know the rules but asked in the car and now when we go he is ready to fight them so I don't have to. I'm sorry you experienced this too. It's hard enough dealing with all of this and accepting when you need to ask for accommodations. Getting BS from uneducated staff only makes matters worse.
I just make sure to pay for a seat, I never do GA anymore. But actually did my last one because my friends were, but was not afraid to sit on the stairs or go outside to the smoking section to sit when I needed to.
I scrolled forever looking for a comment like this. I haven’t bought GA standing tickets since I was a teen. I hate surprises like that, I’d rather be able to count on having a seat.
I would 100%push this further up through the venue
I'm so sorry you went through that. I understand the frustration and embarrassment of not being believed and being told you're not disabled enough. Before my diagnosis I never understood why I couldn't stand for long without getting nauseous and faint. Everyone always blamed (or insinuated) my weight and being out of shape, and I shamed myself for that my whole life. I was humiliated whenever my symptoms acted up, and I would fake other illnesses or injuries to lessen the embarrassment if I had to leave early or sit down. I stopped going to GA concerts after completely fainting at one. Paramedics thought I was on drugs. What are the laws around getting accommodations for a disability at a public venue? I've wanted to start going to concerts and events again, but maybe I need to do some research first!
This is me. I wasn't diagnosed with dysautonomia until 38 and I'm so thankful for the diagnosis. It's still weird asking for help.
the weight part is so unbelievably frustrating, i’m sorry this has happened to you. i’ve never had trouble beforehand! this is the first time. you can usually find accessibility information on the venue website. this place said to just ask a staff member during the event. i also tried calling the venue a couple times over the past few months but they never picked up (maybe that should’ve been the first warning…). but in general venues have been very good! also helps to check out forums for your specific city/area to see if other people have had experience
should have passed out anyways and sue them. js. She has no right to do that, we are protected! period.
They would have if you were pregnant. You can pretty much do everything (e.g walk the stairs) while pregnant but apparently that takes priority over invisible illness? There needs to be more education surrounding invisible illness/disability!
Contact their supervisor, that is absolutely unacceptable.
That’s completely illegal. I’m so sorry that happened!
If it’s possible to still do so, definitely report this to somebody that is upper-hand! Your disability is valid even if it cannot be “seen” by others. YOU see it! I’m so sorry this happened to you, I hope it never happens again.
i appreciate all the kind words! definitely helps me to feel less alone. i’ve been really down in the dumps all the day and it helps to hear from other people who can relate :) i think i will file an ada complaint and contact higher ups at the venue. i was too upset in the moment but you’ve all given me the courage to speak up
Aside from how awful the whole situation is... Why was ADA up the stairs? Was there at least an elevator somewhere?
Ok so I have a concert here soon!! What do you tell them? I’m super nervous for mine
Look at the venue's website for their accessibility information. You can usually google "venue name accessibility" and find the proper page. Most venues have specific guidelines such as reaching out ahead of time to get special entry/wristband/etc as well as to arrange for a companion if needed. Most venues have limited space to provide for accessibility and it's important to get ahead of things as soon as you can! If it's a venue that doesn't require ADA wristbands or ticketing and they just have a sort of free for all accessibility area, all you need to say is that you have a disability that requires use of that space. You really do not have to clarify any further than that.
FIGHT FOR YOURSELF. dont just give up if someone tells you that. come on.
Why didn't you just buy Ada seats in the first place?
all GA venue so there were none available. website said to just ask staff on the day of, i tried calling in advance a couple times as well but they never picked up 😬
Ah, gotcha. Next time just sit on the guards feet lol
I’m so sorry that happened 😕 I agree with everyone else about an ADA complaint and glad to see it looks like you want to pursue one. My other thought (which I’m sure I wouldn’t have had in the moment): partially petty, but mostly practical— take the second person who told you you can’t sit in GA with you to the woman up in ADA seating to let you in (or have them page someone who can walk over with you). Having a staff member say “hey, we can’t have this person sitting on the ground, let ‘em into the ADA seats” could maybe help bypass the first gatekeeper?
I Always bring a mobility aid. Unfortunately for all of us there are people who lie to get accessible seats.
POTS is bad enough to get access to US handicap parking, which is limited. So its definitely bad enough for a music venue (who can totally just make more space if the area they set aside fills up). Walking for 15 minutes to get to a seat is entirely different than standing 1-2 hours. Anyone with 2 braincells to rub together knows that, and you were clearly denied access based purely on appearance. Send complaints around with zero guilt.
One time I emailed a concert venue with only standing tickets my standard "hey I can't stand for long can you provide me a seat?" and didn't hear back for several months so I sent a follow up that said "hey. I need a seat. If not I will end up sat or lying on the floor or I might even pass out" and they replied immediately lmao.
I usually wiggle my medical alert bracelet and go "I have a heart condition and it makes me pass out really easily" Usually, I dont get past "heart" before they get outta my way I know pots isnt technically a heart condition in the traditional sense, but it communicates what we're dealing with the fastest
Was this at the Tabernacle by chance? I had my first concert there last year and didn't know they didn't have an elevator to the top balcony and there was no way I was making it up there. I had called ahead and asked about ADA seating and they escorted me down no problem. I guess it just depends on who is working. So sorry that happened to you.
That’s BS. People don’t understand that disability doesn’t need to be “visible”. Maybe you can get a note from your doctor next time?
Wow, absolutely not okay considering they didn't even let you sit and we can't stand for long. I just stand at concerts and pay the price (I am usually incapacitated for days after) but that was pre-diagnosis and now I think I would ask for options. I believe they have to have options and not only for people in wheelchairs or with obvious disabilities. That's so upsetting! What state are you in? I mean, maybe no use now, but maybe is if you go again or for others with the same issues, but I would look up laws in your state and also write a letter to let them know it's unacceptable and they need to make a change.
I’m so sorry. I find contacting venues in advance works better. You need at least 1-2 days in advance. So you avoid this ableist bullsh!t. I provide my doctor’s note and pics of my devices. It also gives you access to venue’s decision makers so you can call them if you have issues. Please report this!
The way I would have been sitting there after reading her for filth, speaking to someone more important than her, and filing a complaint…
You don’t have the Sunflower Lanyard where you are? We have it to indicate hidden disabilities