UEFA-AccessibAll break barriers guidelines

Article posted by Coliseum, September 16^th, 2024

Image: UEFA

In a significant step toward promoting inclusivity, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has released an updated set of Accessibility Guidelines and an Accessibility Checklist aimed at helping the clubs and the National Associations go beyond the minimum standards for accessible stadiums.

‘ACCESSIBALL’ stated that developed in partnership with AccessibAll, the guidelines offer a thorough roadmap to create a more accessible, inclusive and welcoming matchday experience for all the disabled fans. The guidelines cover critical areas such as stadium infrastructure, services, matchday operations, and staff training, while also emphasizing the vital role of the Disability Access Officer.

Nyon (Switzerland)-based the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) is one of six continental bodies of governance in association football. It governs football, futsal and beach football in Europe and the transcontinental countries of Turkey, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Kazakhstan, as well as the West Asian countries of Cyprus, Armenia and Israel. The UEFA consists of 55 national association members. Since 2022, due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the FIFA and UEFA suspended all Russian national teams and clubs from any FIFA and UEFA competitions.

AccessibAll’s approach is to take away the existing barriers. They use ‘total access’ as their focus harnessing the power of sport to act as a catalyst for disability-inclusive change in wider society.

‘ACCESSIBALL’ further stated that this new resource not only reflects the current needs of the disabled supporters but also sets the stage for future advancements in accessibility replacing the previous ‘Access for All’ good practice guide with a more forward-thinking and practical approach.

In UEFA’s communications related to the publication of these new guidelines, they are presented as a resource that “highlights the value of taking a strategic approach to accessibility in football presenting a comprehensive overview of requirements and processes. By calling for collaborative action to increase accessibility across European football, it encourages the entire football community to engage with the material from the owners and the operators of infrastructure to the event organizers and the Disability Access Officers.”

Informed Olivier Jarosz, AccessibAll Chief Executive Officer (CEO), “For over a decade, the AccessibAll has worked hand in hand with the UEFA to break barriers and create a game that truly welcomes everyone. These new Guidelines aren’t just about compliance – they’re about transforming the matchday experience for the disabled fans. By embracing UEFA’s bold Football Sustainability Strategy 2030, we can reshape the way football welcomes its fans, ensuring that every supporter, regardless of disability, feels included in the heart of the action”.

To further support the stakeholders in using the UEFA Accessibility Guidelines the UEFA has published an accessibility checklist. This document is designed to help the readers to address the specific areas of stadium accessibility and work towards a clear plan of implementing access improvements.

Over the coming weeks, AccessibAll will be sharing insights from the clubs, the national associations, the disability organizations, and the disabled fans about the small changes that can make a big difference at your stadiums.

Click here to Download the UEFA Accessibility Guidelines Checklist.

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