Supporter Accessibility Policy

To help us meet your needs effectively, please complete aReasonable Adjustment Form and provide relevant supporting documentation. This helps us allocate accommodations appropriately and deliver the best experience for all supporters.

If you need help completing the form or would prefer a paper copy, please call 01332 667528 or visit the Ticket Office.

Below are some of the key reasonable adjustments we offer. For further details, please refer to our Access Statement (please note that all reasonable adjustments are subject to availability & qualification).

Personal Assistant Ticket: A complimentary ticket is available for Personal Assistants accompanying supporters with specific access requirements. See the 'Personal Assistant’ section below for more details.

Accessible Parking: Accessible parking spaces are available to Blue Badge holders on both the west and east sides of the stadium. Spaces are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information and to book a space, please call our Accessibility Team on 01332 667528.

Transportation: A free shuttle service using buggies is provided for supporters who need assistance. The shuttle runs between Car Park A and various parts of the stadium before and after the match. Although supporters should note that due to congestion, the shuttle may suspend operation for a brief period for safety reasons.

Accessible Entrance: There are accessible entrances available in all four stands.

Accessible Toilets: Accessible toilets are located in all four stands and are operated using a ’radar’ key system. We recommend bringing your own radar key to facilitate access.

Accessible Seating/Wheelchair Spaces: A variety of accessible seating and wheelchair spaces are available in all stands.

Induction Loop Facilities: Induction loop equipment is available at most customer contact points within the stadium. Information will also be displayed on the big screen and through the public address system on matchdays.

Audio Descriptive Commentary: Audio descriptive commentary is available to supporters who are blind or partially sighted. To use this service, please reserve a receiver at least 24 hours before the match by contacting the Accessibility Team on 01332 667528..

Ear Defenders: Ear defenders are available for hire. Please call our Accessibility Team on 01332 667528 to reserve a pair.

Assistance Dogs: Supporters attending with an assistance dog should notify the Disability Access Officer in advance to ensure suitable arrangements are made.

Please find below a list of supporting documentation we may consider when reviewing a reasonable adjustment application:

• Receipt of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement (or government standard equivalent).
• Receipt of Personal Independence Payments (PIP)
• Receipt of either the Severe Disablement Allowance or Attendance Allowance.
• Pensioners' Mobility Allowance or War or Service Disablement Pension for 80% or more disability.
• Blind or partially sighted registration certificate (BD8 or CVI Certificate) or evidence from an eye specialist, for example an optometrist, that the individual would qualify to be registered as severely sight impaired (blind) or sight impaired (partially sighted). Further advice can be found on the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) website.
• A personal letter from the GP, community nurse or social worker that the individual has a long-term impairment or ‘disability' and requires assistance.
• Confirmation in writing from Social Services that the individual is included on their Deaf Register, or a letter or report from an aural specialist confirming that hearing loss has been recorded at 70 – 95 dBHL or worse.
• The Access Card (if a Personal Assistant is required, the card would need to show the +1 symbol)

Please note this list is not exhaustive and consideration will be given to any other evidence provided. For more information, the club recommends consulting the Level Playing Fields website.

The club reserves the right to request additional proof of access requirements if there is reasonable doubt, regarding the request.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible matchday experience for all supporters. If you require assistance during your visit, we offer complimentary personal assistant tickets to ensure you have the support you need. These tickets are provided as a reasonable adjustment to ensure supporters with access requirements can enjoy the same level of service and experience as everyone else.

It is important to note that the personal assistant tickets are not a concession or a two-for-one offer; they are specifically intended for those who require the assistance of another person to meet their access requirements. They are not available for temporary conditions, such as short term injuries or recovery periods.

Please note that a personal assistant, on their own, is not entitled to any benefits normally associated with a Season Ticket, this includes any renewal benefit or the purchase of match tickets during priority sale periods.

If you have any questions or need to check your eligibility, please contact the Accessibility Team on 01332 667528.

Requesting A Free Personal Assistant Ticket

Since this scheme is potentially subject to fraudulent misuse, we are required to operate a system to verify eligibility for a complimentary personal assistant ticket. To apply, you will need to complete a Reasonable Adjustment Form and submit appropriate supporting documentation to our Disability Access Officer.

The Role of A Personal Assistant/Essential Companion

By accepting a Personal Assistant Ticket, the personal assistant agrees to provide necessary support, including assistance in case of emergency evacuation. Stewards cannot provide assistance beyond their standard duties, so it is important that the personal assistant is prepared to help with movement if necessary.

When entering the stadium, the personal assistant must enter alongside the supporter with access requirements, as they will not be admitted separately.

Young Carers

Under Pride Park Stadium's Ground Regulations, children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult (18 or older). We understand that young carers may play a crucial role, but they can only be accepted as personal assistants with prior authorisation from the Disability Access Officer.

If the need for a Personal Assistant Ticket is due to potential deterioration in the supporter’s condition, a ticket may not be authorised for a carer under 16 years old.

If a personal assistant under 16 attends with a supporter with access requirements or lacks valid photo ID, we may refuse admission. This does not apply if there are other adults in the party who can accept responsibility for the young carer.

Contingency – What Happens If You Lose Your Support

If the personal assistant is not providing the necessary support during matchday, we reserve the right to take appropriate actions as needed. We will assess the situation with the supporter with access requirements and their personal assistant. If we can make basic adjustments to allow the supporter with access requirements to continue watching the game, we will do so. However, if necessary, we may need to ask the supporter with access requirements and their personal assistant to leave and make appropriate plans for future games to ensure proper support is in place.

It is important that supporters with access requirements chooses the right personal assistant to accompany them to ensure their needs are fully supported.

Abusing the System

If we believe that the system is being misused, we may treat the matter as fraud and take legal action. This may result in the confiscation of tickets for future games. Every accessible space occupied by someone who does not need it prevents another supporter with access requirements from accessing that space.

Personal Assistant tickets are transferable; however, tickets for the supporter with access requirements are not transferable. If a supporter with access requirements is unable to attend, they may be able to upgrade their tickets, including the Personal Assistant ticket. However, this must be discussed with us first, as it may require changes to seating arrangements or other adjustments.

If any terms and conditions are violated, the club reserves the right to refuse entry and take further action.

For more information regarding upgrading tickets or any other enquiries, please contact the Accessibility Team on 01332 667528.

We are committed to providing an inclusive ticketing process that meets the varied needs of supporters with access requirements.

Season Tickets:

Supporters with access requirements can purchase season tickets at the appropriate age-band price, online (renewals in phase one only), over the phone, or in person. Half-season tickets are introduced a few weeks before Christmas to provide additional flexibility for the latter half of the season.

Match Tickets:

Supporters with access requirements can purchase match tickets at the appropriate age-band price, online, over the phone, or in person. Tickets may also be available for purchase on matchday, subject to availability. While some supporters may require accessible seating, others may choose standard seating options. We encourage all supporters with access requirements to inform us of any specific requirements during the ticketing process to ensure their needs are met.

Personal Assistant Tickets:

Personal assistant tickets are provided at no additional cost to supporters with access requirements who require assistance. For more information, please refer to the 'Personal Assistant Section' of this policy.

Ticket Availability:

The availability of tickets is subject to demand and the capacity of all seating areas, including accessible sections. To ensure the best experience, supporters with access requirements are encouraged to book early and communicate any requirements when purchasing tickets

If you need assistance or guidance with purchasing tickets, please refer to our Accessible Ticketing & Membership Purchasing Guideor call the Accessibility Team on 01332 667528.

At Pride Park Stadium, we are proud to offer a range of hospitality options designed to meet the needs of all supporters, including those with access requirements. We are committed to ensuring that everyone can enjoy their matchday experience in comfort and style.

Personal Assistant Tickets

Supporters who require a personal assistant to accompany them in a hospitality area may qualify for a complimentary Personal Assistant Match Ticket (subject to qualification). Please note that all other components of the hospitality package will be charged at the appropriate price.

Wheelchair Users

Wheelchair users are encouraged to contact a Hospitality Sales Representative. This ensures that the best hospitality package is selected and that the chosen package includes access to an available wheelchair space.

Access and Dietary Requirements

If you have specific access or dietary requirements, please contact us before booking. This allows us to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs:

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 01332 667525

We are committed to creating an inclusive and enjoyable matchday experience for all supporters.

We understand that some supporters may have temporary access requirements that could impact their ability to fully enjoy the matchday experience. Our Accessibility Team is here to help ensure your visit is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Support for Temporary Access Requirements

We offer tailored support to address temporary access requirements, including assistance with seating, accessing facilities, or making necessary adjustments during the matchday.

Contacting the Accessibility Team

If you require assistance, we encourage you to contact our Accessibility Team in advance of the match. Reaching out as early as possible will help us make the best arrangements for your visit.

Flexible Arrangements

We aim to provide flexible solutions for supporters with temporary access requirements, including seating adjustments and other services. Our team is dedicated to ensuring your matchday experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Contact Information

For more information or to arrange support, please get in touch with our Accessibility Team:

Phone: 01332 667528

Email:[email protected]

In addition to this Supporter Accessibility Policy, all supporters must comply with the club’s Ticketing Terms and conditions and Ground Regulations, which can be found on our website at www.dcfc.co.uk .These rules apply to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone attending matches.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and enjoyable experience at Pride Park Stadium. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us improve accessibility and services for all supporters.

If you have any suggestions, comments, or concerns, or if you experience any changes in your condition or contact details, please get in touch with us. Keeping your information up to date allows us to provide you with the best possible support.

Contact the Accessibility Team

Phone: 01332 667528

Email: [email protected]

We look forward to hearing from you and working together to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable matchday experience.