The Ability Suite

Target md reader, Shaun Fisher, visited Old Trafford to find out if Manchester United's Ability Suite lived up to its name.

The location of the Suite

"The first thing I noticed, as I can't walk far, was that it was a bit of a trek to get to the Suite from the disabled car park. Car parking closer to the Suite would be useful, and it looks like there might be space to provide this.

"Once you're in Old Trafford, the Suite is ideally located - it's on the ground floor, just opposite the ramped access to the disabled seating area in the stand. The aim is for the Suite to be used during matches as a lounge, with refreshments on sale from the snack bar. It seems like a good place to escape to for those supporters with disabilities.

Facilities in the Suite

"There were four computers in a bank along one side of the room. Although these hinted at a possible use of the Suite for IT purposes, they just had ordinary keyboards and screens and weren't tailored to those with disabilities in any way.

"The room was filled with freestanding, conference-type chairs as well as some fitted 'bench' seats around the walls. A selection of chairs would give more choice for those with mobility difficulties who aren't in wheelchairs.

Future developments?

"I felt that the Ability Suite had a lot of potential but it is currently a blank canvas. As a meeting room it would be useful for local disabled groups, but we thought that if it could be made into a disability information drop-in centre, it would provide greater benefits to a wider group of disabled people.

"I look forward to seeing how it develops."

Many thanks to Shaun for visiting Old Trafford, especially as he's not a Manchester United supporter!

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