Access for all
Friday, 15 September 2000.
The National Association of Disabled Supporters (NADS) launched its national audit of football stadia at Arsenal FC's Highbury ground today. The audit, to be published later this year, will be the first to be undertaken on this scale and is designed to review facilities for the disabled and highlight any stadia changes that might be required.
NADS, which has advised on disabled facilities for the new Wembley Stadium, was asked to undertake the audit by The Football Task Force. It will cover Britain's 114 League and Conference clubs, looking at parking, access and exits, seating, toilets, catering, commentaries and ticket allocation for home and visiting supporters. Highbury will be the first stadium to have its provisions for disabled fans revised, closely followed by the other Premiership clubs.
NADS, a registered charity, secured a grant from the Football Foundation for the audit and is additionally being funded by One 2 One, the mobile phone service chosen by The Football Association and the England team. One 2 One has provided NADS with an improved information network and hardware to help them get off the ground.
The audit is expected to be completed by the end of this year, when One 2 One will publish a definitive Guide to Grounds which will be made available to the public.
The Football Association works closely with NADS as part of its commitment to establishing a two-way communication with football supporters.