Sight Scotland are proud to be working alongside Extant, VICS (Visually Impaired Creators Scotland), Edinburgh International Festival (EIF), the Royal Lyceum Theatre, and The Pleasance to make the arts more accessible for people with visual impairment in 2025.
From pioneering performances and tactile experiences to accessible venues and creative collaborations, these partners are leading the way in making the arts open to everyone.
We believe everyone should be able to experience the magic of the arts so if you’re looking for venues, artists or performances that are taking strides to be inclusive of visually impaired audiences, explore what’s on offer below to plan your experience.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025 - Extant
Extant and ZOO are working in partnership to make ZOO the first fully accessible venue for visually impaired audiences at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2025.
Headlining ZOO’s accessible programme for the festival will be three shows featuring Extant Enhance, a pioneering programme that augments performances for visually impaired audiences, providing low-fi interventions of live programme notes and creative touch tours, presented by the theatre company one hour before the performance.
Extant will also provide all ZOO’s staff and the show’s creators with visual impairment awareness training. Visually impaired audiences will be encouraged to attend Enhance performances and we will add to this unique programme our second annual ‘Open House on Access’ event.
Find out more about Extant and ZOO's accessible performances here.
Edinburgh International Festival
The Edinburgh International Festival is working to make their performances and events accessible in a number of ways.
Types of accessible performances on offer include:
- Audio Described Performances and Touch Tours - Audio described shows provide a live commentary of the visuals of a performance.
- BSL Interpreted Performances - BSL interpreters are either integrated into the performance or stand on the side of the stage.
- Captioned Performances - Captions are displayed in large text on either side of the stage.
- Relaxed Performances - For anyone who would benefit from a more informal setting.
Access Pass
Additionally, they offer free Access Passes for D/deaf, disabled or neurodivergent people which are designed to improve the booking experience for audience members.
Concessions
D/deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people are eligible for a 50% concession on full price tickets.
Access guide
Their access guide contains full details about accessible performances and venue accessibility.
Find out more about accessibility at the Edinburgh International Festival here.
Pleasance at the Fringe
Pleasance operate three sites at the Edinburgh Fringe: Pleasance Courtyard, Pleasance Dome, and Pleasance @ EICC.
Some of their shows offer signed, captioned, audio described (sometimes accompanied by a touch tour) and relaxed performances. You can find more information about accessibility on the specific show pages for each event.
Access Tickets are available for some showings which could provide:
- Seating in a specific section with a clear view of the interpreter.
- Seating in a specific section with a clear view of captions.
- Booking an audio-description unit if required.
A full list of shows offering accessible performances can be found here.
Find out more about accessibility at the Pleasance venues here.
The Royal Lyceum Edinburgh
The Lyceum are dedicated to making their space as accessible as possible. They have a number of different accessible performances, including audio described, captioned, relaxed, BSL interpreted, and touch tour.
You can find a full list of their accessible performances here.
Hearing Enhancement: The Lyceum has an FM radio wave Hearing Enhancement system for use during performances for both hearing enhancement and audio description. These enable users to hear sound from the stage (as well as audience noise, such as clapping). Each headset has a volume switch enabling total control. Headsets may be borrowed, free of charge, from the shop in our foyer.
Guide and hearing assistance dogs are welcome in the theatre and can go with their owner into the auditorium. Front of House staff are also happy to look after them during the performance.
You can find more general information about accessibility at the Lyceum here.
VICS (Visually Impaired Creators Scotland)
VICS are an award winning group of artists who work both on their own projects and as a team to inspire, promote and encourage the work of visually impaired artists.
Accessible Venues
Accessible venues are essential to ensure people with visual impairment can enjoy events, concerts and performances.
Accessible Streets
Accessible streets are vital to ensure blind and partially sighted people can travel safely and independently.
Our Campaigns
Our dedicated Sight Scotland policy team work with blind and partially sighted people to campaign for positive change. Read more about our campaigning work here.