Swansea City DSA donate wheelchair to help fans attend the Swansea.com Stadium
Swansea City Disabled Supporters' Association (DSA) has donated a brand new wheelchair to the Swansea.com Stadium which can be used on matchday by anyone who needs it.
The presentation was made prior to the recent Norwich City home fixture, with one of the DSA’s main remits being to help break down barriers for disabled supporters who wish to attend live football matches.
Since their inception, they have been instrumental in partnering with the club in helping enhance and promote facilities and services to supporters with disabilities, including the club’s audio descriptive service, the sensory room and inclusion room.
The wheelchair is the latest item to be donated by the DSA after they gifted the club sensory bags for the sensory room this season, along with four pairs of ear defenders last season.
The wheelchair is equipped with a bag so people can safely store their belongings while using it.
“Part of our ethos at the DSA is to improve access for disabled people at the Swansea.com Stadium, so we’re constantly looking at things we can provide,” said DSA chair Andrew Brayley.
“A wheelchair was an idea we had which can help people who turn up at the stadium and – for whatever reason – they need a wheelchair but don’t have one with them.
“For example, it might help someone get from their car to the ground, or if they need to get to the other side of the stadium as that can feel like a long way for some people. Some people who don’t usually need a wheelchair might just find it harder to get around in crowds.
“We want to make the experience of watching the Swans the best and smoothest it can be.
“The wheelchair can be used in case of emergencies as well. If someone falls and suddenly needs a wheelchair – I know we’ve got St John’s Ambulance – but they can also use this.”
Catherine Thomas, head of fan engagement at Swansea City, said: “We’d like to thank the DSA for donating the wheelchair and we know that it will help improve the matchday experience for many of our fans.
“We work closely with the DSA, and we are grateful for their continuous support, and feedback so we can ensure we are making our matchday the best it can possibly be for people with disabilities.”
If you require use of the wheelchair on a matchday, please speak to your nearest disability liaison steward. If you would like to use the wheelchair to travel from your car to the stadium, please email accessibility@swanseacity.com.