The Emerging Writers’ Festival work, learn and play largely on the land of the Kulin nation, and pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.

EWF celebrates the history and creativity of the world’s oldest living culture.

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Accessibility

The Emerging Writers’ Festival is committed to making EWF23 an accessible and welcoming experience for all. Below is some information on how to access our hybrid events.  We would love to hear about your thoughts, ideas and experiences in relation to the accessibility of the festival at [email protected].  

Wheelchair Accessible 

All venues are wheelchair accessible. Staff will be made available to assist everyone with their mobility needs. This service will be made readily available at Sticky Institute, Second Location and The Conservatory in Fitzroy Garden. All in-person events will have reserved seatings available. This includes reservations for companions.   

*Accessible toilets are remotely available for the following events. Staff will be available to assist with wayfinding. The Conservatory (Fitzroy Gardens), Queen Victoria Womens Centre (Ground Level), No Vacancy (QV Complex). 

Auslan Interpretation & Live Captioning 

Auslan interpretation and live captioning will be booked for a few key events during the festival.  If you require either of these services for an event that is not listed, please make a note on the checkout page when you buy your ticket.   

Alternatively, contact us via email [email protected] or phone us at 9094 7827. We would be happy to organize interpreting and or live captioning for the event/s you’d like to attend. We advise patrons to make booking a week before the event to provide much notice for the service providers to meet in demand requests. We are excited to work with Auslan Stage Left and Expression Interpreting for this year’s festival! 

Online Platforms 

Zoom  

Ticketed performances, workshops, National Writers’ Conference and the Masterclass will be hosted on Zoom. Zoom is compatible with screen readers and gives access to Live Captioning. Access links will not be provided until the day of the event for security purposes. Breaks will be scheduled throughout Zoom sessions for participants and artists. Closed caption is a standard function of Zoom and will automatically be enabled for all Zoom events.  

For more information about Zoom’s accessibility features click here.  

YouTube Live  

A few events will be livestreamed to our YouTube channel with access to Live Caption transcripts. Access links will become available on event listing pages before the event along with live external transcripts. YouTube is compatible with screen readers, offers Dark theme and has keyboard shortcuts.   

Twitch – with Indiginerd 

Twitch is where the Indiginerd and a lot of streaming activities will take place during the festival. You’ll be able to join the public forum which will essentially be a free reign streaming forum between our EWF friends while the festival in on. Read more about Twitch’s Accessibility guideline here.

Photosensitive seizure warning  

If you experience any of the following symptoms during our online events – dizziness, altered vision, eye or muscle twitches, loss of awareness, disorientation, any involuntary movement, or convulsions – discontinue use IMMEDIATELY and please consult your physician before resuming. 

In-Person Venues

Accessible Parking  

EWF venues with onsite parking will provide disability parking near the front entry.  

Hearing Loop  

The hearing loop allows patrons who are wearing a hearing aid to tune in to the frequency of the venue. If you require hearing assistance, please let us know in the access request when booking your ticket.  

Access Lifts  

Our friendly staff will be on standby to assist patrons with the use of the lifts provided by selected venues and escort service. 

Companion Cards  

Companion Card holders receive a complimentary ticket to support people with a disability. Please contact us to assist with your booking via email [email protected] or phone us at 9094 7827. When making the booking please present the purchase ticket details to arrange the complimentary ticket.  

Blind Low Vision Access 

The following venues welcome service animals.   The venues include: The Wheeler Centre, Immigration Museum, AQuA at Victorian Pride Centre, The Meat Market, Bunjil Place, State Library of Victoria, The Channel (Arts Centre of Melbourne), Williamstown Town Hall, Collingwood Yards.  

Wayfinding 

You can’t locate us? Don’t worry! We have provided detailed instructions in the description. Along with Wayfinding signages set-up on the day for the following venues – Sticky Institute, Second Location in Domain Gardens, The Conservatory in Fitzroy Gardens, The Moat, No Vacancy Gallery in QV, The Channel in Arts Centre of Melbourne. Look out for our lovely staff with the EWF lanyards on!   

Audio Hearing Loop 

Please contact us via email at  [email protected] to make the booking arrangement with the following venues. Audio Hearing Loop service is provided at the following venues: Science Gallery, The Wheeler Centre, Bunjil Place, State Library of Victoria, The Channel (Arts Centre of Melbourne).