Growing up going to live shows, I had my fair share of experiences that were good, bad, and somewhere in the middle when it came to accessibility. But even when I wasn't seeing my favorite bands in the flesh, I saw that there was a lack of representation for people like me in the industry - very few disabled artists were getting the spotlight, and it seemed like even fanbases forgot that accessibility is a necessity. 

Music and other forms of art, as we know, are pillars of our cultures, our lived experiences - and I don't want any audience member to have to miss out on that just because things aren't accessible. And for those who aspire to work in this industry whilst navigating a disability, I want to be a guiding star. I want them to know that it is possible - it has to be. We can't expect arts to become more accessible (financially, geographically, or otherwise) if we don't involve those who live it day-to-day. 

Making the creative industries a safe, accessible, inclusive space for all isn't about checking boxes and then forgetting about it until the next time something is required of you. It is intended to be a holistic, long-term commitment - even through the discomfort and inconvenience that may come.

At the end of the day, working in development or being on the road, to me, is not about the lofty achievements I get to share with the world. Instead, it's about the moments others may not see; the memories each and every audience member will take away. Because their participation in these vital activities matters.