“Audio-descriptive live reporting is a key component in creating more participation and inclusion in the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 stadiums,” says Thomas Schneider, head of fan affairs at the DFL (German Football League). ’This allows visually impaired and blind fans to experience a game up close. To do this, they need good, professional guidance from the reporters, who are mostly volunteers, as well as the important exchange of ideas, in which they can learn from each other and develop further. Everyone benefits from the meeting in Sinsheim – the match reporters and the fans, who can follow the expert coverage in the stadium on every matchday.”
After a welcome address by Philipp Krauss, fan support coordinator at TSG Hoffenheim, and regional spokesperson Sascha Späth (SV Darmstadt), the participants got to know each other. They looked back on EURO 2024 and discussed news from T_Ohr.
The hour-long awareness-raising session, planned and led by T_Ohr, was a great benefit for all participants. They walked through the arena wearing special glasses that simulate visual impairment, and also tried out orientation with a long stick. This enabled them to put themselves in the shoes of the fans their reporting is aimed at.
An important part of the work in the network is the advice and exchange among members, which is why, in addition to an arena tour with great behind-the-scenes views of the PreZero Arena and the obligatory group photo, the afternoon was also dedicated to exchanging news from the individual clubs.
TSG Hoffenheim are pleased to have hosted such an important event and wish the reporters in the respective clubs continued success in this valuable field of work.