Dina Bassile and her business Tibi have moved to Melbourne to continue her services to provide education and access consulting to festivals, venues and artists on accessibility in venues.
Dina is working harder than ever to provide information and education to make music accessible for everyone.
Dina has spent the majority of her life in a wheelchair due to muscular dystrophy and is striving to make a difference through Tibi (Latin: 'for you'). Previously collaborating with BIGSOUND in Brisbane and currently working on an access plan for the festival, Tibi recently released a video regarding what the business is, what they do, and why they do it.
“Lajonté, who is featured in the video, is a good friend of mine and she explained really well as to why people with disabilities are so afraid to go out and how Tibi breaks that barrier,” Dina says.
“[The video] really showcases what Tibi is about and why it is so important within the disabled community.”
Recently moving from Brisbane to Melbourne, Dina has created workshops to inform and educate creative industry workers on how to make their spaces, events and shows more accessible. Her first workshop takes place in Brunswick (11 July).
“Venues, events and artists are becoming more conscious of how to make their spaces/ events more inclusive to the disabled community,” Dina says.
“Being accessible to all in the music and arts industry is crucial, and understandably can be overwhelming when it comes to knowing how to make a change within your business.
“For this reason, Tibi Access is running workshops on how one can cater to a new audience. Opening your doors to the disabled community means you are opening your doors to an entire demographic that has been excluded in the past.”
In this workshop, you will learn about Australian-wide disability symbols and what they mean in the music and arts industry; how to make your website/ online presence accessible; ways to make your space accessible; accessible events; importance of AUSLAN and how it effects the deaf/ hard of hearing community; disability sensitivity training and more.
“[Bar access] is something that is a part of the whole accessibility layout for the venues, so it is something that I definitely plan for a venue if they hire Tibi to make their access better.
“It's such simple things like having a section of the bar that is low, so people can get their drinks when staff hand them over or to exchange money.”
Dina hopes she can bring her workshops to rest of Australia to help provide information as to how venues can be more accessible for punters. While sorting the nitty gritty accessibility issues behind the scenes, Dina also urges punters to do their part while at a gig by being aware of their surroundings and who is around them.
“It doesn't hurt to ask someone if they need a hand. If they're struggling to get through a crowd or if they need a hand with moving to a different section where they can see, don't be afraid to say 'Hey, do you need help?', and if they want that help they will say yes. It doesn't hurt to ask.”
