Accessibility Is About the Entire Journey

When people hear that I served on FIFA's Accessibility Advisory Board, they often assume my role was to evaluate what happens inside the stadium.

The truth is, accessibility starts long before a fan reaches their seat.

It begins the moment someone decides to attend a match. Can you purchase tickets independently? Can you find reliable accessibility information? Is transportation easy to navigate? Are entrances clearly marked? Can you move confidently through security, locate concessions, use restrooms, and enjoy the match alongside everyone else?

And when the game is over, the experience isn't over. Getting back to transportation and returning home safely is just as important.

Accessibility isn't a single feature. It's a journey.

As someone who is blind, I know firsthand that one small barrier can change an entire experience. That's why this work matters. Every improvement creates greater independence, dignity, and belonging, not just for people with disabilities, but for families, older adults, and anyone who benefits from accessible design.

If you ask me, the best accessibility often goes unnoticed because it simply works. And that's the goal.

As the world prepares for future global sporting events, I'm grateful to help shape experiences where every fan has the opportunity to focus on what brought them there in the first place… the joy of the game!

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