How many people with a disability currently on the waiting list for accessible seating at Oakwell? Thanks
Just posted on previous thread. I'll make sure topic raised at next SLO meeting. I may be wrong but most people are wanting to be in Disabled stand, behind glass etc. Clearly some of seats are in Open stand. Not sure why club didn't reply to TV programme. From my limited knowledge i'm certain that we must be classed as better than most having been on all the grounds.
I go in the away end every game and speak to the away disabled supporters. This has been done for over 6 years. As far as I am aware we are the only club that offers this service. Improvements have been made from Suggestions received via this and e-mails from visitors after their visit. We have some of the best away disabled facilities in the ground. The view is excellent and the stewards make sure no one blocks their view during the game. The refreshments kiosks are at a height someone in a wheel chair can access if required. As most have carers with them this is not a problem. We Could possibly do with another toilet. The access to ground itself is good and quite easy once off the car park. Most of the disabled that come to Oakwell generally use the coaches. There is a problem for those travelling by car. They are directed by the stewards to an area at the bottom end of Queens road car park set aside for disabled. It does though still involve a person to be with someone in a wheelchair, hence the free ticket for the helper. Suggestions have been made to try and make this easier, including waiting in the stand until it is clear and then their car is allowed to come down and meet them at the gate. This though is rarely used. Without a large investment involving resurfacing the away car park this is something we have to keep looking at. I haven’t come across any complaints with regards to the tickets made available to away supporters throughout the six years. The Car park for home supporters was placed in the bottom end of car park after discussions with our disabled supporters. Before the game they can be dropped off near the top of ramp. We also offer commentary for visually impaired in all areas of ground. According to the guide mentioned in the program (I have a copy) we meet 48% of the required number of places and state we are 82 wheel chair spaces light. There are areas of the ground where extra seats could be put in at a cost and has been looked at in the past but as previously stated by “fired” The club has to look at the situation and if the cost is disproportionate they do not have to do anything. That said I am only aware of a waiting for the enclosed disable stand.
