Hidden Disabilities and Lancaster Jazz Scene

Lancaster Jazz scene – Fluorescent and LED Free at The                                                  Gregson Arts Centre 

As our Gregson gig series continues we have been working with Kirsten Freiesleben of the Access and Inclusion Team to increase access to events for people with hidden disabilities. 

 
You may be aware that Lancaster Jazz scene is now Fluorescent and
LED light free and have wondered why this matters.

Increasing numbers of people are experiencing symptoms from LED
lighting ranging from eye strain and fatigue to severe migraines and
chronic health conditions. The extent of the problem is under-researched but we have many people in the Lancaster area with a significantly life-
limiting photosensitive allergy.

LED lighting is everywhere, in our homes and workplaces; accessing
healthcare, supermarkets, cafes, pubs, venues and social activities is
almost impossible for anyone with this condition .

Approximately 80% of disabilities are non-visible, ranging from ME, CFS
and MS to vision and hearing difficulties and neurological disorders.
Key to access is clarity and consistency; for the majority of people with
disabities or access support needs, it’s impossible to find out if a venue
or event can safely accommodate those needs. (Even events that use
LED free or natural light, do not advertise the fact). More often than not,
any access requirement box on a form is purely data gathering and not
support at all, leaving disabled people frustrated, disempowered and
increasingly excluded from all aspects of society. Considering that
approximately 25% of the UK population has a disability, that’s a lot of
people to exclude from events and social activities.

We’re thrilled to announce that Lancaster Jazz Scene is the first regular
event in the North-West , (possibly in the UK!) to offer a committed ‘light
safe’, (including no flashing or strobing light) , wheelchair and mobility
accessible welcoming space to enjoy music.

At The Gregson, we’re committed to increasing clarity and consistency.
With the full support of the Lancaster Jazz Scene Team, going forward
these events will only be lit by incandescent bulbs. The blinds will be
drawn against LED streetlamp light spill, the hallways and gender
neutral toilets (upstairs) are also LED free - making it possible to attend
Jazz Scene without exposure to LED light.

For many who don’t identify as light sensitive, the opportunity to enjoy
music in an ambient space can be a relief from an over-lit world. LED
lights impact on all life, and while the extent of the harm is not clear, the
known impacts range from disturbed circadian rhythm to supressed
brain and immune system function. The RAC reports that a quarter to a third of drivers cut down or cease driving in the dark due to LED light glare- the impacts on event attendance and hospitality venues is a natural follow on. Studies show
that 72% of respondents leave a restaurant or venue early due to LED lighting, where 75% stay longer and spend more in more ambient settings. Research on stage lighting at Summer Festivals demonstrates a clear link between brain fatigue, eye strain, headaches and vision loss on audiences, all of which is contributing to a drop in event attendance across the board.

On top of this LED lighting is a major disruptor for wildlife, plant biology
and natural ecosystems, inadvertently contributing to declining insect
and small mammal populations. Sometimes nature tells us what science
has yet to discover!

While the Gregson Access and Inclusion team recognise that
photosensitive allergy is just one of many hidden disabilities, we hope
that both regular and new audiences at Lancaster Jazz scene will enjoy
the softer lighting as well as top quality Jazz!