CMAOntario’s Accessibility Commitment
We are committed to creating an inclusive volunteer experience. If you require accommodations or have questions about a specific role, we encourage you to reach out so we can support your participation.
Accessibility Information – Loud/High Stimulation Event Roles
This section applies to the following volunteer roles:
Ticket Takers/Door Staff; Ushers; Runners; Green Room Hospitality; Bartenders & Bar Support; Venue Set Up & Tear Down; Social Media Team; Publicist Assistant; Merch Booth; VIP Experience & Sponsor Activation Team
Overview
All of the above roles take place indoors within festival venues. These positions may involve higher activity levels and louder environments depending on proximity to performances and event flow.
Physical Requirements
- Standing:Optional, but often required for extended periods depending on role
- Seating:Limited or situational
- Mobility:Some walking required within venues
- Terrain:Indoor flooring (may include tight or high-traffic spaces)
- Stairs:Not typically required, but may be present in some venues
Environment
- Location:Indoors for the duration of shifts
- Noise Levels:Often loud due to proximity to stages or busy festival activity
- Space Considerations:
- Some venues may be small, crowded, or confined
- High-traffic areas are common
Technology Use
Volunteers may be required to use:
- Tablets / iPads
- Laptops
- POS systems or ticket scanning equipment
- Mobile phones for coordination
Communication & Cognitive Requirements
- Speaking:Required
- Reading/Writing:Required
- Memorization:Not required
Movement & Access
- Some walking required throughout the venue
- May involve navigating between rooms or event areas
- No requirement for outdoor movement
Additional Expectations
- Frequent social interaction with patrons, artists, and team members
- Work in fast-paced, high-energy environments
- Tasks may include guest services, logistics, sales, and event support
Accessibility Information – Moderate/Low-Stimulation Event Roles
This section applies to the following volunteer roles:
Registration Team; Cashiers; Conference Room Hosts; Accessibility Support
Overview
These roles take place indoors and are generally located in more controlled or quieter environments, though activity levels may still vary depending on timing and location.
Physical Requirements
- Standing:Optional
- Seating:Available for duration of shift
- Mobility:Some walking required within assigned area
- Terrain:Indoor flooring (may include tight or confined spaces)
- Stairs:Not typically required
Environment
- Location:Indoors for entire shift
- Noise Levels:
- Moderate / Not overly loud for Registration and Conference Room Hosts
- May increase during peak times or nearby activity
- Space Considerations:
- Some venues may be smaller or tight in layout
Technology Use
Volunteers will be required to use:
- Tablets / iPads
- Laptops
- POS or check-in systems (as applicable)
Communication & Cognitive Requirements
- Speaking:Required
- Reading/Writing:Required
- Memorization:Not required
Movement & Access
- Some walking within assigned area
- No outdoor movement required
- No frequent stair or building transitions required
Additional Expectations
- Regular interaction with attendees, speakers, or sponsors
- Tasks may include:
- Check-in and registration support
- Managing transactions
- Assisting with room flow or accessibility needs
- Work environment is generally more structured and less chaotic than main festival areas
Accessibility Information – Outdoor Festival Roles
This section applies to volunteer roles assigned to outdoor concert areas, including gates, audience zones, vendor areas, and general festival grounds.
Overview
These roles take place outdoors in a live music concert environment. Volunteers should be prepared for variable weather conditions, uneven terrain, and high-energy, loud surroundings.
Physical Requirements
- Standing:Yes (often required for extended periods)
- Seating:Limited or not guaranteed depending on role
- Mobility:Required – volunteers may need to move throughout the site
- Terrain:
- Grass and concrete surfaces
- May include uneven ground, slopes, or soft terrain (weather dependent)
- Stairs:Not typically required, but some areas may include small elevations or temporary structures
Environment
- Location:Outdoors for the duration of shifts
- Noise Levels:Loud (live music, crowds, announcements)
- Weather Exposure:
- Sun, heat, wind, or rain
- Volunteers should be prepared with appropriate clothing/footwear
- Space Considerations:
- Large open areas and high-traffic zones
- Crowds may impact ease of movement
Technology Use
Volunteers may be required to use:
- Tablets / iPads
- Laptops
- POS systems or ticket scanners
- Mobile phones for communication
Communication & Cognitive Requirements
- Speaking:Required (often in louder environments)
- Reading/Writing:Required
- Memorization:Not required
Movement & Access
- Regular walking required across grass and concrete
- May involve navigating:
- Crowds
- Vendor areas
- Entry points or seating zones
- No frequent requirement to enter buildings
Additional Expectations
- Frequent public interaction with attendees and team members
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-energy outdoor setting
- Tasks may include:
- Guest services and wayfinding
- Ticketing or scanning
- Supporting vendors or activations
- Assisting with crowd flow
Summary
These roles are best suited for volunteers who are comfortable:
- Standing and moving for extended periods
- Navigating mixed terrain (grass and concrete)
- Working in outdoor weather conditions
- Being in loud, high-energy environments
- Engaging in frequent, public-facing communication
