Following September 2015's meeting of the Premier League Shareholders a number of provisions were discussed in order to improve disabled supporter access at their stadiums.
At the meeting the following was agreed:
- All Clubs to achieve compliance with the Accessible Stadia Guide by August 2017. The Accessible Stadia Guide is a good practice guide for the design of sport facilities to meet the needs of disabled spectators
- Clubs to appoint a Disability Access Officer which should be, or report to, a senior executive to assist compliance on a whole-Club basis.
- The emerging Club stadium assessments to be discussed with Clubs at a senior level.
- Wheelchair bays, steward training, websites, ticketing policies and parking should all be given urgent attention, using Premier League advisory consultants where needed.
- All Clubs to ensure the appropriate number of wheelchair bays are located in their away sections (10% of their home provision).
These agreements enhance the work already being undertaken to improve accessibility for disabled fans. All Premier League stadiums are currently being assessed in order to determine where disabled access can be improved and the assessment is over a third of the way through.
Clubs agreed in November 2014 to achieving the "Equality Standard". It was made part of Premier League Rules and Clubs have to demonstrate actions against disabled supporter access audits in order to comply.
Every season Premier League Clubs take part in mystery assessments of the experience of disabled fans. As a result of this Clubs have made significant changes.
The Premier League is producing an Access app which will be out this autumn and will provide fully accessible information on facilities at all stadiums. It is aimed at providing disabled fans with better information and building confidence in those who want to attend matches.
