From adjustable DJ booths to vibrating vests: Nightclub's accessible revamp - ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation

DJ Lana Zilla wishes there were more live music venues that catered to people who need greater accessibility. (ABC News: Monish Nand)

Lana Zilla has been a DJ in Sydney for the better part of 15 years, but lately, they have not been behind the decks as much.

They have what they describe as "dynamic" or "fluctuating" disabilities, which means sometimes they require mobility aids such as a walker or a stick.

"I haven't been DJ’ing, because it can be hard to ask for [accommodations]," they said.

At the clubs they do play at, Mx Zilla said generally, accessibility was "not great".

Dane Gorrel is the owner of Club 77 in Sydney's Darlinghurst. (ABC News: Floss Adams)

It is an issue that has prompted Dane Gorrel, who owns Club 77 in Darlinghurst, to make some major changes.

"We programmed some artists with disability a couple of times … and there was always issues with setting it up, and making it right, and making it comfortable for them," he said.

"Making the club accessible has been something that we've been looking at for a very long time."

The new DJ booth can be adjusted for a performers' height. (ABC News)

The electronic music venue has been a fixture of the city's nightclubbing scene for almost three decades.

Longtime patrons would be familiar with the steep set of stairs at its entry way, leading to a moody, tight techno basement.

But earlier this year, it used a grant from the NSW government to undergo an extensive renovation.

After months of work, Club 77 reopened in late July with a redesign focused on accessibility.

The venue used a grant from the NSW government to undergo an extensive renovation. (ABC News)

The club sought advice from an accessibility consultant and other members of the disabled and electronic music communities.

The back-alley entrance has a ramp and a wheelchair lift, accessible bathrooms have been installed, part of the bar has been lowered, and there is a dedicated sensory area off the dance floor.

The DJ booth can be adjusted for a performers' height, and can move forward and backward to accommodate mobility aids.

Haptic vests, which vibrate to the beat of the music, are also available for patrons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.

Haptic vests are available for patrons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. (ABC News)

Interior designer Kristie Paul was brought onboard for the project.

"I've been here probably about 400 times … so I was very happy to be involved," she said.

"There was a lot of feasibility, a lot of research, a lot of investigation, numerous consultants and numerous iterations of the floor plan.

"We didn't want to take the character away from [Club] 77, we just wanted to upgrade it."

Kristie Paul played a key role in designing the club's new interior. (ABC News: Floss Adams)

Mr Gorrel said they wanted to go beyond just the "common practice" accessibility upgrades, like installing ramps or accessible bathrooms.

"It was kind of a difficult process to find how to make the club accessible, and past examples of other venues that have actually done it," he said.

"From our research and talking to people, nothing is ever fully accessible, so we've done everything we possibly can to be as accessible as possible."

The club is also rolling out training programs for staff, so they can better cater to patrons with disability.

The club is also rolling out training programs for staff. (Supplied: Nick Spurway)

Mx Zilla said the changes would make a big difference.

"Just being able to turn up and have things being accessible to you would just be amazing, and not having to feel like you're a problem for asking for things.

Mx Zilla has welcomed the changes at the club. (ABC News: Monish Nand)

Mr Gorrel said he would like to see other venues follow suit.

"The more of these types of accessibility upgrades happen, the better," he said.

"My advice would be to do your research, to put your time in, speak to the right people, consult the community. 

"The best advice you can get is someone actually with lived experience."

Mx Zilla said for some venues, the easiest improvement they can make is often just letting the public know if they are accessible.

"The communication between venues and punters is really lacking, especially with like Facebook and Instagram, they're not updating things," they said.

At Club 77, Mr Gorrel said feedback on the renovations had been positive.

"There's been patrons that have come in and they've just been excited that they can actually get in the venue safely by using the lift, they can order a drink at the bar, and then they can go to the toilet comfortably and get around the entire club without having any issues.

"If you go back all those years ago, it was all about minority communities, and that's where this entire scene has been built off.

"We just wanted to honour that history, and move forward into a new chapter."