Sports Fans: Navigating game day with a disability
According to The Disability Policy Centre’s new research, not only do 49% of those with disabilities face barriers in playing sports, more than half of people with disabilities (52%) also face barriers which prevent them from watching sport. These statistics are quite shocking given the prevalence of sport in the UK and that according to a DWP survey, 24% of the population (approximately 1 in 4 people) were classified as disabled in the UK.
The opportunity to watch live sport should be available to everyone rather than just 76% of the population, however but the crowds, stairs, seats and toilet facilities at venues can all make supporting your team uncomfortable and challenging.
Environmental and societal barriers, together with the additional considerations for those with disabilities, can make for a not-so-enjoyable experience.
So how can the process feel less daunting?
Contacting the Disability Access Officer (DAO) or the Disability Liaison Officer (DLO)
Level Playing Field, a charity campaigning and advisory organisation that seeks to remove the barriers which exclude those with disabilities, recommends those anxious about attending a live sports venue should contact its DAO or DLO. They can provide information on planning the day and advise on the accessibility of the venue.
Check venue and club websites for information
Clubs and venues should also have accessibility hubs and/or information on their websites, or have disabled supporters’ groups.
For those clubs and venues that have a disabled supporters’ group, reaching out for advice and support can make game day less daunting. It would enable those with disabilities to meet up with others who have faced similar issues before, during and after the game, and share experiences and tips for game days.
If you cannot find accessibility information on the venue’s website, Level Playing Field has information on its own website about the accessibility of various football stadiums. It will soon start doing the same for other sports such as tennis, rugby and cricket.
You can contact Level Playing Field directly for information on venue accessibility for those not currently listed on its website.
Plan your day
It sounds simple, but planning your day in terms of transport, your ticket, knowing the timings of the game/match, the entrance to use, and your seat number will reduce the anxiety that can be associated with not being prepared.
Being organised takes one thing off your plate on the day. For example, if you are driving to the game, can you pre-book parking to guarantee a disabled bay to make the experience less stressful?
The early bird catches the worm
Although not always feasible, getting to the venue early means missing the crowds, which can make mobilising easier.
There is no need to rush, which may cause issues with balance and fatigue if you have a physical disability.
Getting there early also means you can get your bearings, check the toilet facilities and their distance from your seat, and also allows you to soak up the atmosphere for longer.
The unfortunate truth
Despite best attempts to be prepared for game days, the unfortunate truth is there will continue to be barriers for fans with disabilities to access sporting events.
There will only be so many tickets for those with disabilities, and limits on how many people can accompany them. There will be issues accessing appropriate travel to away days and the additional expense of obtaining suitable transport.
To improve fan experience, it is crucial clubs understand more about the needs of those with disabilities, invest in facilities and promote a move to equality of access. There should be a push to promote a change in public perception and to make sporting events a more welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for those with disabilities.
If you are a sports fan and have a disability, you can become a member of Level Playing Field free of charge, with an optional donation. Click here to learn more about the work Level Playing Field does.
