Wheelchair users, both cricketers and fans, spoke out about making the Wankhede Stadium and washrooms more accessible for people with disabilities
Sports facilities fall short on disability access, reform urged. Representational Image
Wheelchair users, both cricketers and fans, spoke out about making the Wankhede Stadium more accessible for people with disabilities. The Mumbai wheelchair cricket captain in our report stated that wheelchair users have access to a portion of the Vijay Merchant stand at the stadium, as well as a nearby washroom. However, their view of the pitch is hampered as they have to watch the match while seated at a low level.
They claim that a dedicated space, like a gallery/small stand for users, along with a ramp, will give them a great viewing experience and, most importantly, dignity too. Wheelchair users even cited an example in the report about getting an opportunity to watch a match from a corporate box on one occasion. They had to use influence for the Mumbai Cricket Association to bring a makeshift/portable ramp to be able to access this box.
Then, the washroom, which can accommodate wheelchairs, has stalls which are compact, so it is difficult to access these within. Wheelchair users are calling for washrooms that are for individuals with disabilities.
Let us factor in persons with disabilities into our sporting infrastructure. The stadiums should be ‘upgraded’ in such a way that disabled players and fans are able to get in without much difficulty and avail of the facilities.
Players with disabilities are fans of the game they play and like to watch able teams too. We must have equal access to spaces dedicated to them. We cannot cheer our Paralympics medallists but turn a blind eye to their struggles to access a place not just to practise their game but to watch sport, too.
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