News article
West Ham United, London Stadium host disability advocacy forum
Earlier this week, West Ham United and London Stadium hosted the Level Playing Field’s regional forum, which fosters meaningful connections and discussions between disabled supporters and club representatives.
Tuesday (December 3) marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities and the theme of the event was ‘amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future’.
Level Playing Field is a campaigning and advisory organisation across all sports, and the event also featured members from the Disabled Supporters’ Association and West Ham United’s Supporter Services staff.
“It was a pleasure to host the Level Playing Field forum at London Stadium. Not only have we taken part in workshops and discussions, but it has also given us the opportunity to showcase the world of the Disabled Supporters Association and highlight the robust relationship our Disabled Supporters Board has with West Ham United,” commented Cathy Bayford, Co-Chair and Co-Founder of the West Ham United’s Disabled Supporters Board.
“This was evident as we listed some of the initiatives we have seen implemented with us working with the Club to improve the matchday experience for fans with accessibility issues.”
The Premier League club also highlighted its own commitment to improving disability inclusion, including a focus on hidden disabilities.
"Not only have we taken part in workshops and discussions, but it has also given us the opportunity to showcase the world of the Disabled Supporters Association and highlight the robust relationship our Disabled Supporters Board has with West Ham United."
West Ham provides 468 accessible matchday shuttle bus services each year, while supporters can also contact the club to request an access card that allows them to utilise lifts and designated accessibility lanes at London Stadium.
Frontline staff at the club have been trained to support those with hidden disabilities and they wear the Hidden Sunflower badges for easy identification. Elsewhere, a Sensory Room is in place at London Stadium to provide a calming space, which has been developed in close collaboration with the Disabled Supporters’ Board.
Bespoke matchday commentary is available for visually impaired and blind supporters, and there are 70 accessible headsets available for supporters at London Stadium. British Sign Language staff are also available to support spectators – the matchday supporter liaison team and the disabled supporter assistance team have members that are trained in BSL Level One.
A dedicated team is in place at each match to assist disabled supporters and they can be identified by pink bibs.
Image: Samuel Regan-Asante on Unsplash