Darker Waves is an accessible event, and we are dedicated to continually improving our efforts to ensure you have access to all the event amenities. The following explains the services provided this year. Please read this informational guide thoroughly before sending an inquiry email.
For any accessibility-related questions not answered in the guide, please email us at access@darkerwavesfest.com. We welcome and encourage all feedback and suggestions from our patrons with disabilities. We will do our best to assist you and address your accessibility needs.
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY
The venue is navigable for patrons with mobility disabilities. The event is held on a paved parking lot and sand. There are accessible routes connected throughout the venue including parking, entrances, stages, ADA viewing areas, vendors, and all other activity areas.
We encourage all patrons with mobility disabilities to utilize personal forms of transportation, including wheelchairs and scooters. Patrons are also permitted to bring crutches, walkers, and canes into the event. If you need to recharge your motorized mobility device, you may do so at the Accessibility Services Hub. Patrons should bring all cords and accessories needed to charge their devices. Chargers must use a 110-volt, 20 amp circuit.
We will not be providing wheelchair or scooter rentals.
ADA PARKING
There will be an extremely limited number of ADA parking spots for patrons with disabilities onsite, and are available on a first come, first served basis. These spaces are located near the intersection of Beach Blvd and Pacific Coast Hwy. ADA guests can access this area by using the State Beach parking entrances.
You will need to purchase a parking pass on-site. You are required to bring a valid, state-issued handicap placard, permit, or license plate to enter this parking lot. The person to whom the handicap credential is issued must be present in the vehicle, as a driver or passenger.
ADA LOADING & UNLOADING ZONE
Patrons with disabilities can be dropped off by friends and family at the ADA Loading & Unloading Zone. Drivers must present a valid handicap placard or plates to drop off guests in this zone. Please follow directional signage and traffic attendants to this zone. Location details coming soon!
ADA ENTRY
There will be an ADA entry lane, located at the main entrance. Patrons with disabilities and up to one companion may use this lane to safely enter the venue. Please visit the Accessibility Services Hub immediately after entering the event to request the ADA accommodations and services you need.
ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES HUB
Please Note: You must stop here to get your ADA Wristband. This wristband is free of charge and will grant you access to the accessibility services required on account of a disability or injury. There is no ADA pre-registration before the event - this is all done onsite at the event.
The Accessibility Services Hub is conveniently located inside the festival gates close to the entrance. The exact location of this hub will be labeled on the event map when it is released. At this location, you can:
- Request accommodations and services you require.
- Get your ADA questions answered.
- Get your ADA Wristband.
Wristband Policies
- ADA Wristbands are good for the entire duration of the event.
- DO NOT remove your wristband at any point during the event.
- Patrons may request a wristband for one companion if needed (exceptions will be made for families with young children).
- If a disabled guest wants to switch their companion, please bring the old companion wristband to the Accessibility Services Hub to be reissued.
ACCESSIBLE VIEWING AREAS
There will be accessible viewing areas made available to ADA patrons at designated stages. For more information on how to gain access to these areas, please visit us at the Accessibility Services Hub.
Accessible Viewing Area Policies:
- Seating is available on a first come, first served basis.
- Companions may be asked to stand in the back if the viewing area reaches capacity.
- Guests may not save spots.
- Blocking the view of the guests sitting behind you is not permitted.
- Standing is permitted only in the very back row.
- Patrons and companions may not smoke in these areas.
SERVICE ANIMALS
Service animals are permitted throughout the venue. However, emotional support animals, therapy animals, companion animals, and pets are not permitted into the event. Any animal whose task is to provide protection, emotional support, well-being, comfort, or companionship is not considered a service animal and will not be allowed into the venue. Only service animals that have been individually trained and are under the proper care of their owners will be allowed within the premises.
The following guidelines must be followed:
- All service animals must be verified by the ADA Coordinator or Manager before entering the event venue.
- Once verified, service animal handlers are required to fill out a Service Animal Agreement before proceeding into the event grounds. Once signed, service animals will receive a service animal wristband or tag to indicate verification.
- Service animals must remain by the handler’s side at all times and must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered. If these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or if the handler’s disability prevents the use of these devices, the handler must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls.
- Service animals must be housebroken and should use the service animal relief area.
- Anyone bringing an animal will be responsible for and liable for any damage or injury caused by the animal.
- All service animals should have legally required vaccinations. The ADA Coordinator or Manager may ask for proof of vaccination during the verification process.
We ask that you do not leave your animal in your car while you're attending the event, as vehicles without active air conditioning may become too hot and unsafe for any animal.
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION REQUESTS
We accept requests for any of the following services:
- ASL Interpretation
- Other forms of Effective Communication
Requests for these services must be submitted to us at least 30 days prior to the event to allow for sufficient preparation. The deadline for this event is October 19, 2023. To submit a request, please fill out the Effective Communication Request Form.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
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First Aid: We have several First Aid locations throughout the venue, noted on the event map and mobile app, if available. Professional medical staff can provide assistance to your medical needs at these locations.
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Special Dietary Needs: The event will have food vendors that provide gluten-free dietary options. For those with special dietary needs beyond what will be offered at the event, please contact us at access@darkerwavesfest.com for further assistance.
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Prescription Medications: All prescription medications must be in the original manufacturer container with your name on it, which matches your government-issued photo ID. Please only bring a sufficient amount of medication for the duration of the event. Your medications must be cleared by the medical team at the event entrance.
- Other Services: If you would like to request large format print/braille literature, guided tours for guests with visual disabilities, assistive listening devices, or any other accommodation not listed, please reach out to us at access@darkerwavesfest.com at least 30 days prior to the event. If you require assistance on account of pregnancy, nursing, or breast milk pumping, please reach out to the information team at info@darkerwavesfest.com.
COMMENTS, QUESTIONS & SUGGESTIONS
Darker Waves will consider requests by patrons with disabilities for reasonable modification of event policies, practices or procedures, or for auxiliary aids and services that will permit the patron equal enjoyment of the goods and services offered at the event. We encourage you to make any such request as far in advance as possible to enhance our ability to evaluate and fulfill the request.
In continually trying to make our event more accessible, we encourage you to contact us at access@darkerwavesfest.com for any of your accessibility-related needs. Additionally, if you have any questions about our ADA policies or services, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
We hope you find this guide informative, we look forward to seeing you at Darker Waves!