A level playing field at the Dons

The Dons Supporters Association represents all sections of the MK Dons football community including the disabled.  Rex Burton is the MKDSA Disability Officer and he has been pro-active in supporting disabled fans and introducing intitatives such as the Soccer Sight Commentary System for visually impaired fans.

Rex and the association are members of an organisation called "Level Playing Field" who represent the views of disabled football fans across the country.  Formerly known as The National Association of Disabled Supporters (NADS), they changed their name in March 2011 to better embrace the social model of disability.

Level Playing Field provide information on disabled fans facilities at clubs and stadia, along with useful football, disability and access reports, guides, good practice documents and general disabled supporter information. Disabled Dons fans can access this advice and information through their website at www.levelplayingfield.org.uk.  Specific matters can be taken up with the organisation through Rex Burton and his e-mail address is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Level Playing Field has contacted us with some updates which will be of interest to fans of the Dons:

1. Back in October 2010, Level Playing Field worked alongside The Football League and Juice Learning, who were hosting a Conference for Member Clubs. The title of the Conference was ?Improving the Disabled Fan Experience?, and took place at Derby County?s Pride Park stadium.

The Conference was designed by Juice to give participants a clear understanding of what it is like to be a disabled football fan, and to effectively present the legal, business, and moral cases for attending to the needs of this important customer base. To read more about the conference and view photos and video's from the day please visit Juce Learnings website:

http://www.juicelearning.com/case-studies/Football-League-disabled-supporters-event.php 

2. Fancy yourself as the next Sue Barker or Gary Lineker? The BBC have begun a search for disabled people who would be interested in presenting with the broadcaster. The PresentAble scheme will look to discover and develop the presenting skills of disabled people.

Angela Chan, Independents and Diversity Executive at the BBC, said; ?We?re looking for people with real passion and knowledge who are great communicators and have the potential to build lasting careers in the media. If you?re successful you?ll receive some of the best training the BBC has to offer, be exposed to a host of industry contacts, and have a great showreel to launch your presenting career?.

The deadline for applications is the 31st of January. For more information, and to apply, please visit

http://www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning/news/presentable.shtml.