Rachael’s vision for accessible music events
Adelaide-based singer Rachael Leahcar, a passionate music fan and advocate, draws on her lived experience to call for more accessible live music events across Australia.
Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at just six months old, she now has only five percent of her sight. Despite the hurdles, she keeps attending concerts and advocating for inclusive access, for herself and the broader blind and low vision community.
Her love for music is lifelong and deeply personal. Her first concert at age 11 was Delta Goodrem, and her most cherished memory is seeing Delta again during her 20-year anniversary tour.
Rachael competed on Season 1 of The Voice Australia, where she was coached by Delta Goodrem. She finished third overall and formed a great bond with the Australian pop star.
Music is a family passion. Her husband, Chris, often helps find tickets and gigs. They share a young child and love live music, especially big shows.
Although her white cane is now a key part of her identity embracing it was a journey, especially as a performer.
“When I was at school, it was tough at first coming to terms with having a cane. But I owned it. It became a part of who I am.”
Rachael recognises that live music still needs to improve accessibility for the blind and low vision community. She would like audio description to be available at concerts and other music events.
“It would be great to have the option. Just like at the cinema, or on streaming, the audio description informs the viewer of the non-verbal cues happening during a show. It provides full context, and I find it keeps me engaged,” Rachael said.
Rachael points to the Adelaide Fringe Festival website as a gold standard in accessible ticketing, describing it as “clear and simple” when booking with a Companion Card. In contrast, larger platforms often require filling out online forms and waiting for a callback; a delay that can cost her tickets to popular shows.
“I’d like to see simpler, more inclusive ticketing processes throughout the industry. Early ticket access for people with disability, like the Australian Open,” she said.
“More staff training to assist low-vision and blind attendees and easy transport access to venues would also be an improvement.
“Live music is a huge part of our culture and people with disability should be part of that. Everyone is welcome.”
To Rachael, music is more than just sound. It's art, emotion, expression and a shared experience that should be accessible to everyone.
