'Weeks of Action' - Spotlight on Swans' DSA

Continuing our ‘Weeks of Action’ celebrations we take a look at Swansea City Disabled Supporters Association (DSA) and how the group have been instrumental in improving facilities for disabled supporters.

The 15th annual Level Playing Field (LPF) ‘Weeks of Action’  - which is running from March 2 to March 17 - is a fortnight dedicated to shining a positive light on the work undertaken to deliver better access for disabled sport spectators.

Sadly, more than 50% of disabled people have never attended a live sporting event and, at Swansea City AFC, we’re passionate about trying to change that.

The Swans have joined the EFL and the world of football in raising awareness of the facilities and support available for disabled people to attend live football.

As part of the initiative Swansea City invited disabled supporters from schools, disability sports clubs and individuals to experience the matchday environment at the recent Bolton game at the Liberty Stadium.

Disabled Supporters' Associations up and down the country have backed the campaign and the Swans' own DSA is run by disabled fans for disabled fans and, since its formation in 2013, the DSA has created strong links within the football club to help disabled supporters and their families.

The committee - made up entirely of voluntary members - meets on a monthly basis, regularly inviting club departments and representatives to discuss accessibility issues. The DSA have worked with the club to introduce the following recent measures.

• An online ticketing system for Disabled Supporters
• ASD picture story and parents’ guide
• Mobile changing Places Facility
• Tactile ‘You are Here Maps’

Following on from the Cara’s Matchday feature we brought to you before the home game against Bolton, the SwansTV team caught up with DSA chair Andrew Brayley and secretary Cath Dyer to talk about their work and why initiatives like ‘Weeks of Action’ are vital for disabled fans.

"Any kind of initiative will raise awareness of the needs of disabled supporters and then organisations and committees like ourselves can help the disabled supporters in any way we can," said Andrew.

"There's a good disability team at the club. There is a disabled access officer, customer equality service manager and as a DSA we liaise with them quite a lot," adds Cath.

"So we know what the service is about and we try to get people to come. We have a chat with them, have a look around and then they can have the full matchday experience and enjoy as much as they can."

The DSA host a number of social events throughout the year. At these popular events, members are joined by Swansea City stars past and present.

In the most recent gathering guests were treated to the singing talents of Swans boss Graham Potter, midfielder Jay Fulton and winger Dan James, needless to say this was a surprise hit with those in attendance!

The next Swans DSA social takes place next week on Tuesday, March 19. To book your place contact secswandsa@gmail.com . The event is free to all members.

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For more information or to join online visit the Swans DSA Website

You can get involved in the Weeks of Action campaign by posting your messages of support on Twitter (@lpftweets ) & Facebook (/lpftweets ) using the hashtag #WeeksOfAction

Click Weeks of Action for more Information