As it is known, the World Cup 2022 welcomes everyone!

Ensuring that nobody is deprived of enjoying the tournament, there are specific tickets that entail inclusive facilities, special match day services and more for those with disabilities.

The ILoveQatar.net (ILQ) team is here to help you know the types of tickets and their features to ensure you or your loved ones' experience is seamless.

Note: This article is based on the information available at the time of writing. It will be updated as and when we have more information.

Types of accessibility tickets

There are 5 types of tickets available for those with special needs, catering to the varying requirements.

1. Accessibility Tickets - Wheelchair User

This type of ticket is dedicated to wheelchair users and mobility scooters. However, there will not be any provisioning of wheelchairs and ticket holders will have to bring their own. 3 or 4 wheels manual or electric wheelchairs are permissible.

The permitted wheelchair dimensions will be 80cm in width and 130cm in length, with a turning radius not exceeding 90cm, maximum turning width of 150cm and a maximum speed of 6km/h.

2. Accessibility Tickets - Easy Access Amenity

This ticket caters to the disabled who do not require wheelchairs, specifically those who may have a problem with bending their knees. This also considers those who require more space to access their seats due to walking aid usage or are accompanied by assistance dogs.

These seats also ensure minimal steps.

3. Accessibility Tickets - Easy Access Standard Ticket

The Easy Access Standard Ticket is another provisioning for those who do not require wheelchairs. The ticket facilitates minimal steps and ensures close accessibility to toilets and other amenities.

4. Accessibility Tickets - Easy Access Extra-Width

This ticket is for adults over 18 with a minimum body mass index (BMI) of over 40.

5. Accessibility Tickets - Sensory Rooms

The sensory rooms are specifically made to accommodate those who may be intellectually disabled or have conditions such as autism or dementia.

Sensory access requirements provide for those who need a controlled sensory environment. The sensory rooms will also be staffed with specialized teams to aid those with needs and assist the caretaker.

Sensory rooms are available only at the Al Bayt, Lusail and Education City stadiums. All stadiums are expected to have sensory rooms by the tournament date.

Benefits of the accessibility tickets

Accessibility ticket holders are provided with one free ticket for a companion. The companion ticket holders' seats will be as close as possible to the accessibility seat; however, not guaranteed to be immediately next to it.

• The companion ticket is not applicable for the Easy Access Extra-Width ticket

Note: Volunteers on-site will provide guidance and assistance; however, dedicated assistance will not be provided.

How to get accessibility tickets

• Accessibility tickets may be applied via the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ ticketing portal during the sale phases.
• All accessibility ticket applications will have to be supported with 'Proof of Eligibility', also known as 'POE'.

What documents are required for Proof of Eligibility

Wheelchair Tickets, Easy Access Standard or Easy Access Amenity Tickets:

The requirements vary for those applying from within Qatar and those applying internationally.

• Qatari fans would need to submit a certificate of degree of disability or a medical certificate
• International fans would be required to submit a medical certificate or other medical proof commonly used in the country of origin.

Note: Accessibility parking cards/stickers will not be accepted as proof.

Easy Access Extra-Width Tickets:

The only type of document accepted as Proof of Eligibility for the Easy Access Extra-Width Tickets will be a doctor's note stating the ticket applicant's BMI and is signed off by a doctor.

Sensory Rooms

The only required proof of eligibility for the sensory rooms is a doctor's note, medical certificate or a healthcare professional-endorsed official letter.

Airport Facilities

The airport is equipped with staff and transportation facilities to ensure those with disabilities have a seamless experience.

Disability experience is expected to be the same at both airports; Hamad International Airport (HIA) and Doha International Airport (DIA).

Some of the inclusive facilities are:

• Low floor buses
• Staff to assist with wheelchairs
• Ramp access

Transport Facilities

Providing convenient and accommodative transportation for those with disabilities across the various means of transportation such as:

• 858 low-floor buses that are convenient for wheelchair/mobility-scooter users.
• Sprinter vans will be available as shuttle services to access key accommodations, stadiums & metro stations.
• Accessible taxi services.
• Doha Metro -sufficient spacing for wheelchairs/mobility-scooter users, minimal gap between train & platform, and tactile paving in most metro station areas.

Stadium features

• Accessibility maps- transport hubs
• Accessibility cubicles in all toilet blocks
• Changing places toilets- changing tables for adults or children with complex disabilities
• Trained teams to support and assist those with disabilities
• Mobile adult changing rooms
• Mobile sensory rooms- two trailers - education city activation site & corniche

• Audio-Descriptive Commentary via smartphone - for those who are visually impaired this service will be accessed by downloading an application which would provide them with a description of the stadium ambience and mood (Arabic and English)

What to expect on match days

From arrival at the stadium till the time of seating, match attendees are expected to have a smooth experience courtesy of the special services and volunteer assistance.

Some of the services include:

• Assistance services upon arrival at the stadium.
• Accessible Buggy services - close drop-offs to entrances.
• Disability-designated parking areas.
• Wheelchair assistance and guidance to seats through comfortable routes by volunteers.
• Dedicated routes and priority lanes at entry points.
• Accessible friendly fan experiences at Education City Stadium (Learn more here - Fan experience at Education City Stadium to offer accessible activations)

Source: FIFA / Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy / Mark Dyer - (Accessibility and Inclusive Design Adviser, Programme Management Consultant, Supreme Committee For Delivery & Legacy)

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Fareeha Imtiaz

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