Simon79 Posted March 21, 2017 Report Share Posted March 21, 2017 Hi guys and gals. Didn't quite know how to title this topic. I'm looking for some advice on a very important issue! My son Elliott is soon to be 5 & im very keen to take him to his 1st game at Ashton Gate. Elliott has Down's Syndrome and along with this has sensory issues. So I'm wondering if any of you guys/gals have been through this and have any general advice & on the best places to sit etc? He loves his City kits and generally loves football. If I can crack this, I'm keen to buy us a season ticket for next season. Something I stopped doing when Elliott was born. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Was also wondering if a sensory room was ever discussed when the revamp of Ashton Gate was happening? Similar to what Sunderland have done? Think this was a fantastic idea by Sunderland. COYR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DANWRENBCFC4LIFE Posted March 21, 2017 Report Share Posted March 21, 2017 Probably worth ringing or email the club for information. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ivorguy Posted March 21, 2017 Report Share Posted March 21, 2017 Agree 110% re your comment on Sunderland Doubt our lot have even given it a minute's thought Perhaps the fans liaison officer could take this up Good luck in getting help from Ashton Gate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dollymarie Posted March 21, 2017 Report Share Posted March 21, 2017 Firstly, it's lovely you want to introduce Elliot to football. Few things I'd mention having taken various disabled kids to football over the years. Take him to a reserve or ladies game, so he gets used to the goings on on a match day on a smaller scale. Get some headphones. The ones that fit over the ears, the sudden noises can be frightening at first (like when everyone suddenly starts screaming at a chance of a goal) so it's worth having them to hand just in case. Get seats on the end of a row, so you don't have to keep making others move when he inevitably needs to fidget, also means that they have a bit of space on one side of them which can help any anxieties as they don't feel so hemmed in. Ring the ticket office (ask to speak to Gareth, he's the disability rep in the ticket office) and ask them to put you somewhere less busy, for similar reasons above, but also so the noise next to him isn't so intense. Ring the ticket office as well and ask if you can pop him down for a visit when it's empty (there are things going on most days down there, so it's not locked up like used to be between matches) Hope that helps. I will have a think if I've missed anything. PM me if you want to ask me anything away from here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slartibartfast Posted March 21, 2017 Report Share Posted March 21, 2017 You know you can get a "disability" S/T in which the carer gets one free? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dollymarie Posted March 21, 2017 Report Share Posted March 21, 2017 4 minutes ago, slartibartfast said: You know you can get a "disability" S/T in which the carer gets one free? This is true. You have to provide proof of DLA at either the middle or higher rate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slartibartfast Posted March 21, 2017 Report Share Posted March 21, 2017 2 minutes ago, Dollymarie said: This is true. You have to provide proof of DLA at either the middle or higher rate. Would young Elliot have DLA ,due to his age (genuine question, I don't know how it works) ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dollymarie Posted March 21, 2017 Report Share Posted March 21, 2017 2 minutes ago, slartibartfast said: Would young Elliot have DLA ,due to his age (genuine question, I don't know how it works) ? Yep. Kids still get DLA, adults get PIP now (technically it's his parents claiming it, but it's all in his name. I'm in the same situation with my foster son now, I claim it as his primary carer) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Septic Peg Posted March 21, 2017 Report Share Posted March 21, 2017 11 minutes ago, Dollymarie said: Firstly, it's lovely you want to introduce Elliot to football. Few things I'd mention having taken various disabled kids to football over the years. Take him to a reserve or ladies game, so he gets used to the goings on on a match day on a smaller scale. Get some headphones. The ones that fit over the ears, the sudden noises can be frightening at first (like when everyone suddenly starts screaming at a chance of a goal) so it's worth having them to hand just in case. Get seats on the end of a row, so you don't have to keep making others move when he inevitably needs to fidget, also means that they have a bit of space on one side of them which can help any anxieties as they don't feel so hemmed in. Ring the ticket office (ask to speak to Gareth, he's the disability rep in the ticket office) and ask them to put you somewhere less busy, for similar reasons above, but also so the noise next to him isn't so intense. Ring the ticket office as well and ask if you can pop him down for a visit when it's empty (there are things going on most days down there, so it's not locked up like used to be between matches) Hope that helps. I will have a think if I've missed anything. PM me if you want to ask me anything away from here You've basically written everything I was going to put as had to contact the previous disability officer (Dave's son? Can't remember the name) about a relly with mental health issues. Pmed you though Dolls as have a question to ask. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon79 Posted March 21, 2017 Author Report Share Posted March 21, 2017 16 minutes ago, Dollymarie said: Firstly, it's lovely you want to introduce Elliot to football. Few things I'd mention having taken various disabled kids to football over the years. Take him to a reserve or ladies game, so he gets used to the goings on on a match day on a smaller scale. Get some headphones. The ones that fit over the ears, the sudden noises can be frightening at first (like when everyone suddenly starts screaming at a chance of a goal) so it's worth having them to hand just in case. Get seats on the end of a row, so you don't have to keep making others move when he inevitably needs to fidget, also means that they have a bit of space on one side of them which can help any anxieties as they don't feel so hemmed in. Ring the ticket office (ask to speak to Gareth, he's the disability rep in the ticket office) and ask them to put you somewhere less busy, for similar reasons above, but also so the noise next to him isn't so intense. Ring the ticket office as well and ask if you can pop him down for a visit when it's empty (there are things going on most days down there, so it's not locked up like used to be between matches) Hope that helps. I will have a think if I've missed anything. PM me if you want to ask me anything away from here Thanks Dollymarie. There are some great bits of advice in that post. He already has some ear defenders, so will be taking them! I will give the ticket office a ring I think. & think a trip up when empty or a reserve game is a great idea. COYR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dollymarie Posted March 21, 2017 Report Share Posted March 21, 2017 9 minutes ago, Septic Peg said: You've basically written everything I was going to put as had to contact the previous disability officer (Dave's son? Can't remember the name) about a relly with mental health issues. Pmed you though Dolls as have a question to ask. I haz no PM bird? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedLionLad Posted March 21, 2017 Report Share Posted March 21, 2017 20 minutes ago, slartibartfast said: You know you can get a "disability" S/T in which the carer gets one free? .....and that will be the same for booking away tickets. The carer's ticket is free. Most clubs (not all) also provide Disabled parking spaces for Blue Badge holders too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Septic Peg Posted March 21, 2017 Report Share Posted March 21, 2017 1 minute ago, Dollymarie said: I haz no PM bird? Just sent it dear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lanterne Rouge Posted March 21, 2017 Report Share Posted March 21, 2017 6 minutes ago, Simon79 said: Thanks Dollymarie. There are some great bits of advice in that post. He already has some ear defenders, so will be taking them! I will give the ticket office a ring I think. & think a trip up when empty or a reserve game is a great idea. COYR Ladies play Man City on Sunday at AG mate - not sure what time`s KO Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bch Posted March 21, 2017 Report Share Posted March 21, 2017 Hi mate. Take my 8 year old who has Down's syndrome. We don't go every week as you can generally gauge his mood and whether he would take the full 90 mins. The club have been brilliant and I have carers ticket which makes it more affordable seeing as we don't go every week! Sit in the dolman and people around have been great even when Owen cheers a goal .... any goal... home or away (I'm working on that). Am considering the family stand next year as sounds like it may be more child friendly in the build up as that is most difficult time. Drop me pm if you want any specific advice. Will help if I can Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon79 Posted March 21, 2017 Author Report Share Posted March 21, 2017 40 minutes ago, slartibartfast said: You know you can get a "disability" S/T in which the carer gets one free? I did read that when the new season ticket prices were released. Looked to good to be true! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In the Net Posted March 21, 2017 Report Share Posted March 21, 2017 32 minutes ago, Septic Peg said: You've basically written everything I was going to put as had to contact the previous disability officer (Dave's son? Can't remember the name) about a relly with mental health issues. Pmed you though Dolls as have a question to ask. SP - are mental health issues dealt with in the same way as other disabilities by the club? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exAtyeoMax Posted March 21, 2017 Report Share Posted March 21, 2017 I hope your lad enjoys his first game (don't forget to get a cap) I was watching Everton on FB and the Everton in the Community Down Syndrome Team. Excellent stuff. I was thinking that it would be good for City to get involved in something similar. There's lots of guys and gals who would like to play, I'm sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slartibartfast Posted March 21, 2017 Report Share Posted March 21, 2017 19 minutes ago, Simon79 said: I did read that when the new season ticket prices were released. Looked to good to be true! It's true ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon79 Posted March 21, 2017 Author Report Share Posted March 21, 2017 39 minutes ago, bch said: Hi mate. Take my 8 year old who has Down's syndrome. We don't go every week as you can generally gauge his mood and whether he would take the full 90 mins. The club have been brilliant and I have carers ticket which makes it more affordable seeing as we don't go every week! Sit in the dolman and people around have been great even when Owen cheers a goal .... any goal... home or away (I'm working on that). Am considering the family stand next year as sounds like it may be more child friendly in the build up as that is most difficult time. Drop me pm if you want any specific advice. Will help if I can Thanks for that bch, it's much appreciated. COYR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Septic Peg Posted March 21, 2017 Report Share Posted March 21, 2017 46 minutes ago, In the Net said: SP - are mental health issues dealt with in the same way as other disabilities by the club? I think so. I can't be 100% as I've never looked into it fully. But I would expect it to be the case. Especially if a life long mental health condition or a such a severe example of a condition that it affects daily life such as a fear of crowds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Skin Posted March 22, 2017 Report Share Posted March 22, 2017 Hi Simon79, My son Sean has Down Syndrome. He's been going since about 8 and he's 19 now. He has a disabled season ticket and I go free as his carer. (It's reciprocated at many away grounds too). He loves the City and the whole match experience. Thankfully, Sean doesn't have any sensory issues but he probably causes some as he sings incessantly throughout the game!!! The club and fellow fans are very welcoming. I'm sure Elliott will find it very positive. PM me if you want more info or to meet up before a game for a pint. Great to have more kids with Downs getting out there and being a more visible presence in the wider community. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henry Posted March 22, 2017 Report Share Posted March 22, 2017 Just to echo what people have said already. ive supported a few people with disabilities to a match and fans and club are also very helpful. I know a chap with learning disabilities and autism who sits in the Atyeo with the 'hooligans ' and the fans around him are great with him. Ive found generally 99% of the general public are either very patient or just actually just don't notice. good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CotswoldRed Posted March 22, 2017 Report Share Posted March 22, 2017 As a parent of a disabled lad we have a season ticket (me free). The disabled sections are great, although I'm not sure what the rules are for ambulant disabilities. Main things to think about are toileting (this may not be a concern for you) as hand basin water is cold and sometimes you have to queue for disabled toilets. Parking is another issue. I've given up with the idea of getting a parking space at the stadium so a blue badge can come in handy if arriving later. Don't expect changes to be made if you find anything difficult. You'll be told it will be discussed at a management meeting and you'll be forgotten. Sorry to say. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
In the Net Posted March 22, 2017 Report Share Posted March 22, 2017 10 hours ago, Septic Peg said: I think so. I can't be 100% as I've never looked into it fully. But I would expect it to be the case. Especially if a life long mental health condition or a such a severe example of a condition that it affects daily life such as a fear of crowds. Thanks for the reply - that sounds promising. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Skin Posted March 22, 2017 Report Share Posted March 22, 2017 1 hour ago, CotswoldRed said: As a parent of a disabled lad we have a season ticket (me free). The disabled sections are great, although I'm not sure what the rules are for ambulant disabilities. Main things to think about are toileting (this may not be a concern for you) as hand basin water is cold and sometimes you have to queue for disabled toilets. Parking is another issue. I've given up with the idea of getting a parking space at the stadium so a blue badge can come in handy if arriving later. Don't expect changes to be made if you find anything difficult. You'll be told it will be discussed at a management meeting and you'll be forgotten. Sorry to say. Ambulants can sit anywhere. We sit in SS. Parking is a good point. I put some flyers together and leafleted a few streets explaining about my son and how we were looking for a space on a drive on match day for a reasonable amount. (Sean can walk ok but he's slow and not the most enthusiastic and as I can only get to games quite late it used to be a bit a panic and quite stressful. He worries about being late). I pay £5 a game for a space 2 minutes away. Might be an option if you can spare the cash. If you give people an opportunity to show kindness especially toward someone like our lads, i find they very rarely let you down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon79 Posted March 22, 2017 Author Report Share Posted March 22, 2017 19 hours ago, exAtyeoMax said: I hope your lad enjoys his first game (don't forget to get a cap) I was watching Everton on FB and the Everton in the Community Down Syndrome Team. Excellent stuff. I was thinking that it would be good for City to get involved in something similar. There's lots of guys and gals who would like to play, I'm sure. Hi everyone. I just wanted to say a big thank you for all your posts on this topic. It's been great to read of your experiences & to listen to your advice. OTIB is sometimes a crazy place to be! But the response to this has been brilliant on this topic. Hoping to get Elliott to the gate asap to enjoy the rollercoaster that is supporting Bristol City! Once again thanks. COYR Simon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exAtyeoMax Posted March 22, 2017 Report Share Posted March 22, 2017 1 hour ago, Simon79 said: Hi everyone. I just wanted to say a big thank you for all your posts on this topic. It's been great to read of your experiences & to listen to your advice. OTIB is sometimes a crazy place to be! But the response to this has been brilliant on this topic. Hoping to get Elliott to the gate asap to enjoy the rollercoaster that is supporting Bristol City! Once again thanks. COYR Simon Hope he enjoys it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bristol Rob Posted March 22, 2017 Report Share Posted March 22, 2017 2 hours ago, Simon79 said: Hi everyone. I just wanted to say a big thank you for all your posts on this topic. It's been great to read of your experiences & to listen to your advice. OTIB is sometimes a crazy place to be! But the response to this has been brilliant on this topic. Hoping to get Elliott to the gate asap to enjoy the rollercoaster that is supporting Bristol City! Once again thanks. COYR Simon Obviously the easy answer to Elliott not being overly comfortable with large crowds is to get him use to the concept at the Mem. But evidently that would leave him exposed to the billions locked out every week. Far better to take the advice of those with experience, speak to the dedicated disability officer and for your lad to have the very best of times (with the occasional disappointment), amongst a collective who will welcome him like family*. *family you actually like, not some soap opera Christmas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arrytheb Posted March 22, 2017 Report Share Posted March 22, 2017 I've got nothing I can add to the original post as I've no experience of this but just thought it worth saying how bloody brilliant it is that so many people have replied with (hopefully) really useful information that will help you and your son get to watch City together live! This site gets my goat up at times but posts like this show how thoughtful and caring people can be. Well done all!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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