West Bromwich Albion have been hard at work this summer improving access for disabled fans in time for the new Premier League season.
Earlier this summer we reported on how the Baggies had increased the number of wheelchair user spaces at The Hawthorns, bringing the club in line with Accessible Stadia minimum standards, and now the club have unveiled an accessible concourse area which will be equipped with a sensory area and Changing Places toilet facility.
Serving disabled supporters in the Smethwick End and West Stand, the new concourse area has seen the club working closely with the West Bromwich Albion Disabled Supporters Club to deliver improvements which will transform the matchday experience for disabled fans.
The new sensory area will enable autistic children to enjoy matchdays in a calm environment, and features a bubble tube, soft seating and wall projectors so that visitors to the room can enjoy matchdays in a relaxed and peaceful space.
In addition to this, accessible toilets will now display ‘not all disabilities are visible #stomafriendly’ signs in recognition of the range of hidden disabilities that disabled supporters may have.
Kevin Candon, Chairman of the Disabled Supporters’ Club expressed his delight at the “first-class” facilities.
“Looking at the finished product, it is absolutely superb. You couldn’t wish for anything more. Absolutely first class.
“This is the welcome you want when you come into your club. This club has gone beyond what they had to do for us.
And Kevin’s views were echoed by Chief Executive Officer Martin Goodman, who recognised what a positive move the accessible concourse represented for the club.
“This is a huge step forward in creating facilities for all supporters and a great opportunity for providing accessible facilities for both present and future fans.
“We consider ourselves a welcoming and inclusive club and look forward to new supporters enjoying these facilities.”
Story & photograph from: West Bromwich Albion
10.08.17