Post by peterparker on Dec 12, 2017 8:14:00 GMT
Fed up of the negativity, so lets recognise some of the good stuff going on
www.bristolpost.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/how-bristol-rovers-improving-matchday-907423
The Bristol Rovers Disabled Supporters Association (BRFC DSA) is still in its infancy having only held a first open meeting in September this year, but the group is already making a tangible difference to Rovers fans.
The issues facing disabled fans have been raised far more vocally in the past few years, yet still remain vastly unheard in most cases
Thankfully though, Rovers are a club not taking the issue lying down and have thrown their full weight behind the recently launched DSA.
With the idea first mooted in April this year as a consultation meeting took place, the club, the DSA and the Rovers supporters club have worked together during the last eight months to improve disabled facilities at the Memorial Stadium and get the DSA off the ground.
Zoe Kirkby, secretary of the DSA, outlined the groups aims as "representing disabled Rovers supporters in their dealings with the club, recommending and instigating measures to improve matchday experience at the Mem, and promoting the welfare of Rovers supporters."
Despite having just been launched, the DSA has already instigated a number of tangible changes around the Memorial Stadium.
"From day one Rovers consulted the DSA over changes around the Mem", explained Zoe, herself a disabled Gashead with Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and POTS with dysfunction of the Autonomic Nervous System.
We were asked our thoughts and preferences, and so working in conjunction with the club, we've brought in some changes.
"The disabled bays have been repainted, more drop kerbs are in place, and where possible shelters have been built over wheelchair areas.
"We have moved the away wheelchair area so it is now between the away terrace and seating, and away fans are very happy with this move.
"We were asked our thoughts and preferences, and so working in conjunction with the club, we've brought in some changes.
"The disabled bays have been repainted, more drop kerbs are in place, and where possible shelters have been built over wheelchair areas.
"We have moved the away wheelchair area so it is now between the away terrace and seating, and away fans are very happy with this move.
"We also now have more DAB radios, blankets and once delivered weather proof covers for wheelchair users to borrow on matchdays.
"There is also a new accessible toilet for the North Terrace."
While these may seem like relatively small changes, they can make a huge difference to the matchday experience for both home and away disabled fans. Every match someone offers to help and people you see regularly watch out for you and are ready to open doors. The stewards get to know you and assist when needed. I think we are lucky to have such a great set of supporters."
The DSA have made huge strides in their first few months and sent representatives to the South West disabled fans experience forum at Yeovil Town earlier this year.
Rovers will now be hosting this event next year.
So what's the Mem like for a disabled Gasheads at the moment?
"We may not have the best facilities," says Zoe.
"But we certainly don't have the worst, and you can create a positive and enjoyable experience in different ways.
Zoe acknowledges there are still huge strides to be made, but it's hard to argue with the impact the DSA is already having on the matchday experience for many disabled fans.
Anyone can become a member of the DSA and people can request membership by emailing Zoe at dsabristolrovers@outlook.com.
