Going to the football can feel really daunting when you have a disability. The crowds, transport, parking, getting food & drink, seating and noise are just some of the challenges disabled people face. 

The Albion work very hard to make the match day experience accessible and welcoming for everyone. They have a brilliant, dedicated Disability Liaison Officer who works closely with the recently formed Disabled Supporters Association. 

Niraj has been a season ticket holder at the Amex since 2015. Following an accident in 2020, Niraj started using a wheelchair. His needs changed dramatically, but the club have been brilliant at helping him to adapt. They moved his family from their standard season ticket seats to a new, spacious, accessible area in the Upper East. The accessible toilets are close by, and the stewards are friendly and helpful. Like many disabled people, Niraj found the concourse intimidatingly crowded. Unfortunately, the lowered food counters designed for wheelchair users were often unmanned. Once reported the club arranged for staff to serve fans in their seats in his area, which has worked brilliantly.

Shana sits in the wheelchair section of the lower West Stand. She used to transfer from a mobility scooter into a seat, but then she became a full-time wheelchair user. She thought she would have to move to another area of the stadium, but the club were great and removed the physical seat. Now there’s a gap for her wheelchair! She was grateful as the stewards and staff in that area all know her, plus she gets to stay sitting with the lovely friends she’s made. 

Many people also benefit from the green wristband system at the stadium. When a fan shows their wristband, the stewards know that they have a hidden disability or special need. Wristbands are available by contacting the disability team at the stadium and explaining individual needs. It can be anything that requires a particular adjustment. For example, Shana has coeliac disease which means she must eat gluten / wheat-free food. Most of the food that’s sold in the stadium is not gluten free, so the wristband means that she has organised with the club to bring her own food into the stadium. Other examples include a fan who has Autism and his wristband means he can go into the concourse, get some air and quiet time. Another fan has Chrones disease, and their wristband means they may need to queue-jump at the ticket turnstiles if they need the bathroom quickly. It’s a great scheme and really simple!