Accessibility will be a key legacy of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, says woman volunteer

Aisha Tanvir who was born in the UAE to Indian parents and is a resident of Qatar, is a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 accessibility volunteer

Team News Porter

Aisha Tanvir, who was born in the UAE to Indian parents and is a resident of Qatar, says the FIFA World Cup 2022 under way in Qatar, has helped her to become more socially responsible and given her a more inclusive mindset.

The young woman, who’s supporting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 as one of the 250 accessibility volunteers, is upbeat to see that accessibility will be a key legacy for the tournament.

Aisha, who attended Bristol University in the UK and works as a senior English writer at Qatar Foundation (QF), told qatar2022.qa in an interview that it was Qatar’s commitment to hosting an accessible World Cup that convinced her to become a Qatar 2022 volunteer.

Ability-Friendly Programme

“In my interview, I was very clear that the only area I was interested in volunteering was accessibility. At QF, we have the Ability-Friendly Programme – an initiative that supports people of all abilities to engage in sporting and developmental activities. Volunteering for the programme was a huge eye-opener for me – it made me realise how inaccessible the simplest of things can be for people with disabilities and how unfair that is. It also encouraged me to seek ways to make a difference – and what better way than being an accessibility volunteer at the World Cup here in Qatar,” she was quoted as saying in the interview.

Talking about her volunteer experience so far, she said, “We are a group of around 250 accessibility volunteers and our induction, training and briefings have all been great – we have all learned a great deal about accessibility and are keen to play our part in ensuring an incredible experience for fans and visitors.

Multicultural, cosmopolitan country

“Qatar is already a multicultural and cosmopolitan country, but through the volunteer programme it has been wonderful to interact with so many people from different walks of life. The team I am volunteering with includes a speech therapist, a child life specialist, a professor of public policy and law, and an assistive technology expert, making it a truly unique and memorable experience.”

Accessibility, she pointed out, is one area that has benefitted massively – including transport infrastructure and access to facilities, such as stadiums and entertainment areas.

“Another prime example is the Accessibility Guide that QF has developed. Packed with over 30 attractions and experiences, the guide has been created to help people of all abilities – residents and visitors alike – enjoy Qatar and all it has to offer.

Aware of issues

“On a more individual level, I think the push around accessibility has, perhaps for the first time, allowed a significant proportion of the non-disabled community to become aware of issues like social equity, social justice and access for all. Even if just our group of 250 accessibility volunteers can take what we have learned beyond the World Cup and actively contribute towards a more inclusive and accessible future, it can undoubtedly make a difference.”

Finally, when asked which team she’s supporting in the tournament, she said: “Qatar is my home from home, so I’ll be supporting the host nation.”

[Picture of Aisha Tanvir and the story sourced from qatar2022.qa]