But you keep referring to access from the carpark to the seats don't you? The access from carpark to seats is brilliant
Does anyone know roughly how long the waiting list is to get a season ticket in the disabled stand? My mobility has deteriorated to virtually non existent now and i would love to start going back to the 'well, but could not cope with the stairs to the main stands on a regular basis.
Easier still, tweet her on Twitter or message her on Facebook. https://twitter.com/BFCBoxOffice https://www.facebook.com/BFCBoxOffice
I know what Dustani means. The access from the disabled spaces in the Ponty car park looks close, but you actually have to go uphill first to curve round the fenced off area and go towards where the corner stand entrance is.
Bondy - Why does a disabled fan have to be 'Put on a list?' Dos any other supporter have to be 'put on a list?'
A naïve reply ST - If there's a waiting list then the Club is not able to meet current demands. The result of this is that some disabled supporters are effectively excluded form going to Oakwell. I'm no legal eagle but it would be interesting in view of current legislation re. Disabled People to know the legal position here.
It will all be in the Equality Act 2010. I was researching it yesterday for a work issue. There's some surprising things in there, such as it's not illegal to exclude people from clubs on the basis of gender e.g. that's why there are still men only private clubs around.
But wouldn't that be the case if rest of ground had sold out and fans turned away because seats sold out ? Don't think there's a legal requirement for disabled seats tbh. Some grounds just shove wheelchairs to front of stands in all elements. Not saying it's right but it does happen.
Pontyender, Marlon - have look at the Level Playing Field website. tbh I hadn't realised there was a waiting list for some Disabled Supporters to get to a match - with literally hundreds of empty seats at the ground every match it shouldn't be too difficult for the Club, if the will was there, to make some areas accessible to all.
I think it would be good for anyone disabled who needs the access and seating as such applies and if there is a waiting list it will highlight the demand from the fans. The SLO should then ask the right questions to support helping the demand to get the right seating and access. Makes me wonder why we didn't respond to the survey though if we are supportive of disabled access and have good facilities. Another question for SLO.
No, its not pointless, he's doing it to make others try and see it from a disabled persons point of view
Let me help a bit here if I can, from a Professional point of view. BFC as a club does pretty well in comparison to other clubs (my opinion). The club offers facilities within the main home section, and in covered, enclosed surroundings, with radio feed for fans with visual impairments. Away fans can access platforms with good views and accessible toilet facilities However, Physical Access is not in any way the only issue. Research we have done in Kirklees suggests that the welcome that Disabled people receive is critical to coming back again. (Probably the same for non-disabled people to be fair), but when people are vulnerable and are making big strides to do something this becomes exaggerated. So, basically you can put in all the ramps you like, but if disabled people are made to feel like they are a burden, they will step back. There is always more that could be done, and this is the grey area. BFC should provide a service that is equivalent to that provided to non disabled fans. Within reason. So if it is financially not viable, then there is an argument that it doesn't need to happen. So, for example, a disabled person wishing to access the back row of the East Upper, is not reasonable, as it would cost the club too much to facilitate that. IN my opinion, the club does pretty well (compared to other local clubs) BUT the club imight need other input and staff could probably benefit from training, so they understand the other issues, and they also see other issues e.g for elderly fans etc. There are so many minor adjustments that cost next to nothing that would make the stadium more friendly to disabled and older people.
Thanks fired, makes me ven more puzzled why we didn't respond to the survey. Maybe same people that answer the hospitality phone handled it?
