The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar is set to become "the most accessible and inclusive tournament ever" with dedicated services and facilities for disabled people.

The services, including infrastructure, transport and management for the event will have an emphasis on being accessible for all disabled people.

The Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) launched its first Accessibility Forum in Qatar earlier this week. The meeting identified five key priorities to be addressed to ensure the goal of an inclusive tournament. 

The meeting recommended adopting a master plan criteria guide for all buildings and installations. It also stressed the need for a public transport accessibility guide, including information on travelling to and from the airport.

It was recommended that all airport and hotel staff should receive dedicated training on how to liaise with disabled guests, and that the Forum should involve disability organisations in Qatar in workshops to implement these measures.

Disabled people will also be included in the official Volunteer Programme of 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The Accessibility Forum will act as an independent consultation group that will advise the SC and its stakeholders on specific requirements relating to disability. The forum plans to make the event the most accessible and inclusive tournament ever, leaving a lasting legacy for disabled people in Qatar.

Over the next 12 months, the SC and other stakeholders involved will assess the recommendations from the inaugural Accessibility Forum. There will then be a meeting where the stakeholders will update the Forum members on progress and on how they have helped shape policy and procedural matters connected to their specific projects.

“The Forum’s purpose is to provide a platform for meaningful engagement between Qatar’s disabled communities and the various organisations and government departments that are delivering infrastructure for the 2022 FIFA World Cup" said Khalid Al Jumaily, SC Community Engagement Manager. 

"Our goal is to ensure that everyone attending the 2022 FIFA World Cup in six years’ time has a truly seamless fan experience, whether that’s entering stadiums, staying at hotels or enjoying Qatar’s public spaces. We are also committed to ensuring the tournament leaves a lasting legacy for disabled communities in Qatar. The Forum and recommendations that came from this inaugural session will help us achieve that goal.”

The Accessibility Forum is a pan-disability group, with members representing a range of disabled people. Other Forum members, including non-disabled members, represent disability organisations from Qatar and across the region. They have been selected on the basis of their experience and expertise in access and inclusion. 

For further information about the frequency of meetings and how to get involved with the Accessibility Forum, visit www.sc.qa or email [email protected].

Published 23/11/2016