Disabled DJ criticises Scottish Music Awards for hosting in The Barrowlands
The iconic Glasgow venue only has the capability to host manual wheelchair users, leaving people like Sanjeev Mann at the doors
A disabled DJ and music promotor is telling Greatest Hits Radio that the industry should be more inclusive, after the Scottish Music Awards were held in a venue which was inaccessible to some wheelchair users.
Sanjeev Mann from Ayr started a campaign earlier this year, including a petition calling for venues across Scotland to improve their disability access after finding he was unable to perform in many.
After the 2023 Specsavers Scottish Music Awards were held in the Barrowland Ballroom, Sanjeev took to X, formerly Twitter, to share his frustration.
Only accessible to manual wheelchair users
The iconic Glasgow venue is used to host many events and big-name gigs, but it is only accessible to manual wheelchair users, leaving those with electric chairs unable to enter.
Sanjeev has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a condition which causes progressive muscle degeneration and weakness due to the alterations of a protein called dystrophin that helps keep muscle cells intact.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, Sanjeev says he feels let down that an industry-wide event was not inclusive to everyone.
The producer, DJ and promoter also pointed out that the beneficiaries of the awards is Nordoff and Robbins - a non-profit making company which delivers music therapy, particularly to people with disabilities and learning difficulties.
'It's another layer, another barrier'
Sanjeev said: "It was really disappointing to see.
"It felt like a slap in the face because all of the work I've been doing to try and push change, and then to see an industry-wide event be hosted in a venue that can't host everyone was quite disheartening.
"It also means that disabled artists struggle to do things like networking, because we can't get to these events.
"It's another layer, another barrier that makes it harder for disabled artists to pursue a career.
"It made me feel a bit deflated, and whether I should keep going with this.
"I don't think they realise the impact that this actually makes on disabled people."
'We will working more closely'
A representative from the Scottish Music Awards said: “We know that accessibility and inclusivity are intrinsic to the work of Nordoff and Robbins.
"The Scottish Music Awards will ensure we work more closely with these networks in the Scottish music community as we prepare for next year’s event.”
'We are committed to finding solutions'
A spokesperson for the Barrowland Ballroom said: “Barrowland is wheelchair accessible for individuals using standard wheelchairs.
"We have implemented an advanced wheelchair climber, operated by our trained staff, to ensure easy access to the building.
"However, we also understand the importance of accommodating individuals using power or electric wheelchairs.
"Integrating their mobility needs throughout our hall requires careful consideration of various factors. We encourage anyone with specific requirements to reach out to our venue directly, we are committed to finding solutions that meet the needs of our visitors.”