When the curtain rises—or the mic is turned on—everyone deserves their moment in the spotlight, regardless of their level of mobility. Yet for millions of Americans who use wheelchairs, walkers, or crutches, stages can become barriers rather than platforms for inclusion.

True accessibility isn’t just about code compliance. It’s about ensuring every speaker, performer, student, or honoree can participate with dignity and independence. From school auditoriums and community centers to concert halls, worship spaces, and event venues, stage accessibility is an important consideration. Today, vertical platform lifts (VPLs) have emerged as a gold standard for making raised platforms accessible. They offer safe and dignified access without compromising the structural integrity or functionality that architects, builders, and venue operators need.

Let’s take a peek behind the scenes at common solutions for stage access, and how VPLs are changing the experience of stages for everyone.