Disability Arts Alliance demands potential vaccine passport be fully inclusive

There is concern that vaccine passports to return to cultural activity could be discriminatory, excluding disabled artists and audiences.

A consultation on a potential system is under way, with recommendations expected to be made to the Prime Minister in April.

Outgoing Disability Champion for Culture Andrew Miller says disabled people are "deeply troubled" by the integration of health data into cultural participation.

"We feel alarmed by the introduction of additional barriers and any shift in policy away from the social towards the medical model of disability. I cannot see how any Covid status certification system can avoid being discriminatory and ableist."

The Disability Arts Alliance argues that making Covid status certification a condition of entry or even employment "might encourage a relaation of existing protocols and create a false sense of security".

"This could then make events and workplaces more unsafe for those who are susceptible to the virus, reducing opportunities for disabled people to engage with culture or to secure employment in the sector," the group says.

It recommends any certification scheme be subject to an equality impact assessment and adhere to its seven inclusive principles.