Saturday 3 December is International Day of Disabled People, and this year’s theme is “Achieving 17 Goals for the Future We Want”.

At CAFE, we have a very clear vision of the future we want – one that is accessible, inclusive and welcoming for all. A future where disabled people and non-disabled people have equal opportunities and live without prejudice and discrimination.

CAFE’s works are all about improving access and inclusion in the wider society, using the unique power of football – the world’s most popular game.

In celebrating International Day of Disabled People 2017, CAFE has compiled a list of 17 Goals for the Future We Want.

1. Disabled people to be employed in a range of roles and positions within football
2. An increased number of disabled fans having the opportunity to take their rightful places in the stadium attending live matches
3. A dedicated point of contact for disabled people to be identified at every club and venue – the Disability Access Officer
4. Matchday and customer-facing staff to be trained in disability inclusion and etiquette, with increased awareness around access and inclusion
5. Access information to be readily available for disabled people visiting their stadium, both on matchday and non-matchday
6. Information to be published in alternate formats (including matchday programmes and magazines), such as easy read, and universal signage to be placed around the stadium
7. Accessible parking spaces and drop-off points to be available for disabled fans on matchdays, with accessible entrances and exits located close by
8. Additional wheelchair user spaces to be installed in a range of locations within the stadium, including flexible seating options where a disabled fan may attend a match with their family or friends
9. Easy access seating options to be identified, with step-free routes for ambulant disabled and elderly fans
10. Accessible matchday services, such as audio-descriptive commentary, to be implemented so that disabled fans can enjoy an inclusive experience
11. Dedicated facilities for guide and assistance dogs to be available, including relieving stations and water bowls
12. Audio induction loops to be available throughout the stadium bowl and in all service areas, so that deaf and hard of hearing fans can communicate effectively
13. An adequate number of accessible toilets to be available, including Changing Places and peninsular toilets where possible
14. Food and drink concessions within the stadium to be accessible for a range of disabled people
15. Official transportation options to be accessible (e.g. club coaches and chartered trains to away matches)
16. Disabled fans to be empowered through the creation of a disabled fans group, with regular liaison with the club and venue on all relevant matters
17. Clubs and venues to celebrate access, inclusion and their disabled fans and employees - the CAFE Week of Action 2017 is the perfect opportunity for this.

 

To find out more about the CAFE Week of Action and how to take part, please click here.

The UEFA and CAFE Good Practice Guide to Creating an Accessible Stadium and Matchday Experience – ‘Access for All’ – provides advice and guidance on how clubs and venues can become more accessible and welcoming for disabled visitors both on matchdays and non-matchdays. The guide is available to download in 14 languages here.

The CAFE team would like to wish a very happy International Day of Disabled People to all of our friends, stakeholders and our wider networks!

Published 02/12/2016