# What is available for visually impaired and hard-of-hearing supporters?

Topic: Accessibility and Disabled Supporters

Hospital radio provides live match commentary for visually impaired supporters through headsets, which are collected and returned on the day; if you leave early, headsets can be left at the club shop, and reception is staffed for about 20 minutes after the final whistle ([minutes of 8 September 2026](https://images.gc.barnsleyfcservices.co.uk/74ab62d0-b04f-11f1-92c1-33d9855aa291.pdf)). The FAB has pressed the EFL and the club on audio provision more generally, including a letter to the EFL about audio links ([minutes of 18 March 2025](https://images.gc.barnsleyfcservices.co.uk/9b135860-2a72-11f0-b316-3d917fca0cba.pdf)).

The next step being explored is Auracast, a broadcast audio technology that lets compatible hearing aids and receivers pick up a live feed anywhere in the stadium. A first quote of about £44,000 for a 16-transmitter system was considered excessive by the club; FAB members pointed to Cambridge United and Crystal Palace, who run comparable systems with one transmitter per stand at a fraction of the cost, and receivers far cheaper than the £329 per unit quoted ([minutes of 4 August 2026](https://images.gc.barnsleyfcservices.co.uk/a65debd0-ac45-11f1-a0bc-9359ad8c111a.pdf)). Martin Wilson tested a personal receiver's range around the ground, and a session with a supplier was arranged for 17 September 2026 ([minutes of 8 September 2026](https://images.gc.barnsleyfcservices.co.uk/74ab62d0-b04f-11f1-92c1-33d9855aa291.pdf)). The hospital radio commentary continues whatever the outcome.

## Related minutes

- https://fab.barnsleyfc.co.uk/minutes/2025-03-18.md
- https://fab.barnsleyfc.co.uk/minutes/2026-08-04.md
- https://fab.barnsleyfc.co.uk/minutes/2026-09-08.md

Source: https://fab.barnsleyfc.co.uk/faq/audio-for-visually-impaired