A guide to nightclubs for people with disability

Key points:

• People with invisible disability may be at risk of feeling overwhelmed, claustrophobic or have an adverse reaction to the setting/people

• Attendees with autism spectrum disorder or an anxiety disorder may not be socially acclimated to the way people behave when under the influence of alcohol/illicit substances
• People may feel that in such crowded environments, which are often dark, loud and filled with people behaving inappropriately, that they can avoid accountability for their actions

Clubgoers may not be aware of what they’re walking into if they are unfamiliar with the setting, as it’s often seen as a right of passage upon turning 18 to go for a ‘night out.’ 

In this guide, Disability Support Guide readers can expect to read an itemised list of considerations and risks, along with a number of precautions for staying safe.

Considerations and risks

Everyone is entitled to feel:

• independent;
• excited;
• safe;
• angry; and
• included.

Caring for someone over the age of 18 may be challenging when they discover the newfound freedom of adult life. For someone in their late teens or early 20s, it may feel condescending, upsetting or frustrating to be told that you are not allowed to do what other people your age are doing, particularly if the reason seems related to living with disability.

Communication

Starting an open dialogue about the risks and rewards of attending a nightclub is a matter of setting up a plan that will leave the attendee feeling satisfied and safe. When the right questions are asked and answered before a ‘night out,’ the chance for anything to go wrong is greatly reduced.

Five questions that need to be asked:

• Where would you like to go and what interested you about the nightclub?
• Would you prefer to go to a bar or a pub instead?
• Have you researched the venue?
• How would you get home?
• Who would you like to go with?

These questions can help narrow down your plan and do some research on each topic, including checking online reviews, and contacting the venue to establish whether it is equipped to support people with specific disability and how many people are likely to be there. Reputable clubs tend to have their contact information listed online or through social media.

Five questions that need to be answered by nightclub management:

• Is this nightclub safe for someone with [disability] to attend on [date — time]?
• How many people do you believe will be in attendance at that time?
• Do you have a plan in place to address a medical or mental health crisis or emergency?
• Can you get someone who is working at [time/date/location] to send me a text upon arrival/departure or in case of an emergency?
• Based on your time working at this establishment, do you believe the other patrons behave poorly?

During communication, the one important thing to understand is that you or someone you care for can be trusted to do the right thing, but some other people should not be trusted to act in a civil way.

Safety tips for going out nightclubbing as a person with disability

Do not attend a nightclub alone

Social media

Images and videos posted to social media can help you access what you need to expect for the outing.

Things you might need to bring with you:

• assistive technology — inquire before arrival;
• mobile phone with a charged battery;
• portable charging bank, if possible;
• the names of people you may need to contact and their numbers in the device itself;
• any necessary medicines — e.g. EpiPen, ventolin inhaler — enquire before arrival;
• adequate money [in bills] stashed away securely on your person and out of sight — to get home in case of emergency;
• wallet/purse with name label and emergency contact information included;
• arranged accommodation or a planned ride home from a trusted person — enquire before arrival;
• a long-time and trustworthy friend whom others can contact
  • Alternatively, a trusted family friend, guardian or sibling;
• a full stomach to ensure that any alcohol consumption will have a diminished effect;
• any accessory that may help staff identify disability — e.g. sunflower brooch;
• an understanding of substance abuse, alcohol, drink spiking and assault; and
• someone nearby who you can alert for help.

Have you got everything you need to enjoy a fun and safe night in town?

Let the team at Talking Disability know on social media. 

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