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Accessibility

Accessbility Working Group

Our Purpose

The Accessibility Working Group exists to ensure that every disabled Aston Villa supporter — whether living with a visible or invisible disability, physical or sensory impairment, or long-term health condition — can enjoy football safely, confidently, and without barriers.

Our goal is to make Villa Park a national leader in accessibility and inclusive matchday experience, where disabled supporters feel respected, represented, and fully part of the Aston Villa family. Working alongside AVDSA, the Club’s Access Team, stewarding and safety partners, and disabled fans themselves, we are committed to creating an environment where inclusion is woven into every aspect of the supporter journey.

Our Mission

Removing Barriers & Improving Accessibility

  • We work with the Club to continuously improve facilities and infrastructure for disabled supporters.
    This includes the development of fully equipped changing places facilities, sensory rooms, new wheelchair platforms, accessible toilets, and improved seating arrangements across Villa Park.
  • We will continue to identify gaps, advocate for improvements, and ensure that all disabled fans — home and away — have access that is safe, dignified, and fair.

Inclusive Matchday Support

  • Every supporter deserves to feel comfortable and confident on matchdays.
  • We will work with the Club to enhance steward training on visible and invisible disabilities, expand provision for fans with hearing and visual impairments, and support the creation of a calm space where disabled supporters and carers can relax before and during the game.
  • Our aim is to make matchdays welcoming, predictable, and supportive for all.

Accessible Travel & Away Support

  • Disabled supporters should be able to follow Aston Villa everywhere.
  • We will advocate for safe and accessible travel options for domestic and European fixtures, building on work that has already led to improved provision across European clubs.
  • We will continue to conduct away-ground accessibility reports, collaborate with stewarding and police teams, and ensure visiting disabled fans receive the support they need.

Advocacy, Representation & Voice

  • We champion the voices of disabled supporters at every level — from matchday staff to senior club leadership.
  • Working closely with AVDSA and the Women’s Team DSA Representative, we ensure disabled fans are represented across both the men’s and women’s game.
  • We remain committed to open communication, transparent feedback, and ensuring that change is driven by lived experience and genuine supporter need.

Listening, Learning & Acting

  • Accessibility is never “finished.”
  • We will continue to listen to disabled supporters, gather feedback, highlight issues, and work with the Club to make actionable improvements.
  • Our commitment is to ensure that no disabled supporter feels overlooked, unheard, or excluded from their club.

Our Objectives for 2025/26

  • Introduce on-screen BSL interpretation or subtitling to support hearing-impaired fans.
  • Expand support for visually impaired supporters, including improved assistance and clearer communication.
  • Strengthen steward training across hidden disabilities and neurodiversity.
  • Develop a calm room/quiet space for supporters who need a break from crowded areas.
  • Increase interactivity and usability of the AVDSA website.
  • Continue European and domestic accessibility reporting to support improved travel and stadium experience.
  • Support disabled fans at every matchday through AVDSA’s volunteer network.

Accessibility Group News

Meet the Accessibility Group

Sarah Breslin
Joanne McKibbens – Accessibility Group Lead
Sue O’Brien

Contact The Accessibility Group

To discuss working with the Accessibility group, or to raise an issue, please contanct: accessibility@avfcfab.org