Rotherham UnitedThe Millers will be introducing Accessibility Passports with immediate effect which will be recognised by not only club staff, but also matchday stewards.
The move is in line with the club’s target of remaining committed to making matchdays enjoyable for everyone, and the launch of the passports among other initiatives has been assisted by the club’s Disabled Supporter’s Association, who have provided insightful feedback which has allowed the club to continue to make further strides to improve.
Rotherham United’s Head of Supporter Services John Bird was delighted to see the club taking action following a number of positive meetings with RUDSA and take what he believes to be another step in the right direction as the club looks to enhance the matchday experience.
“The introduction of our new Accessibility Passports is something that we are really excited about,” he told the club’s website.
“By introducing these passes and providing our club staff and matchday stewards with education around them, it should mean that we are able to prevent instances in which a supporter with an invisible disability isn’t able to access the facilities that they need.
“Whilst this has never been a problem for us here at Rotherham United, we want to ensure that there is no grey area and in bringing in Accessibility Passports, it will be a simple process of showing one to the relevant staff member or steward, in turn, negating the risk of being denied use of any particular facility.
“I would like to thank the committee and group members of RUDSA, who are constantly helping us as a club to grow our own understanding of how we can maximise accessibility in and around AESSEAL New York Stadium – where we are already incredibly proud of our facilities for all of our supporters.
“It’s about making services easier to use for all people with disabilities, including people who are blind, deaf or have a learning or non-visible disability for example.”
Chair of the RUDSA Kerry Coleman added: “We are delighted that the club are introducing the Accessibility Passports after feedback from the group.
“We have worked for a number of months with the club to introduce these for all disabled supporters. We will continue to work with the club to introduce a number of other initiatives to help supporters to attend fixtures here at the AESSEAL New York Stadium”
Rotherham have also implemented a new disabled supporters’ room on-site at AESSEAL New York Stadium, which was first in operation for the club’s league game against Millwall in October.
The disabled supporters’ room comes after the club took on feedback from Rotherham United Disabled Supporters’ Association, and have amended a number of practices in line with such suggestions from the club’s disabled supporters.
Fans can enjoy the room prior to home games, and the club will work closely with its Community Sports Trust offering access to the new room which will be located on the ground floor of the Community Sports Trust area of the stadium, next to the players’ entrance.
Use of the room will mean that disabled supporters can enjoy a warm and comfortable environment in which to enjoy the build-up to matches at AESSEAL New York Stadium and will be open from 6:15pm until 7:15pm on matchdays.