Sensory Room and Video Remote Interpreting Introduced to Allianz Stadium
Allianz Stadium is committed to improving its accessibility and providing a more inclusive venue for spectators. As part of this commitment, the stadium has introduced a new sensory room as well as offering a remote video interpreting service for deaf customers.
The new sensory room on level six of the stadium has been created with funding from Wooden Spoon and its partner Rugbytots, ensuring that individuals with neurodiversity can participate in the excitement of a Twickenham-based match day in a comfortable environment tailored to their needs.
Sensory overload can be overwhelming for individuals with neurodiversity, making it difficult to fully engage in the game-day experience and the room aims for every rugby fan to have the opportunity to enjoy the game, regardless of their sensory needs.
Sarah Bern, Red Rose and Wooden Spoon Ambassador, is excited to have use of the sensory room having visited the space with her nephew, who is neurodiverse. Bern was instrumental in the introduction of the sensory room, having pitched the idea and the avenue for the funding of the room.
Bern said: "Knowing that my sister can come along with my nephew, Finlay, and feel the necessary support to be at the stadium while enjoying the day means that I can feel the support from her.
"As a family, they can bring Finlay and enjoy aspects of his life that he usually finds difficult. It means the world to myself and my family."
With expert guidance from Wooden Spoon, the sensory room provides a safe space where sensory input can be controlled, allowing people to enjoy the match without feeling overwhelmed.
The sensory room will be available during match times and open to children in the local community outside of match days. Information on use of the sensory room is available online. The sensory room will be open for the Red Roses fixture against the Black Ferns on Saturday 14 September.
In addition to the sensory room, England Rugby has introduced SignVideo's video remote interpreting, allowing deaf individuals to communicate with hearing staff at the stadium using a mobile or tablet. It is like having an interpreter in the same place, ideal for match days or non-match visits between staff and deaf visitors. QR codes located across the stadium provides instant communication with deaf British Sign Language (BSL) users, ensuring equal support for all fans.
The stadium has also introduced SignVideo's video relay service to connect hearing and deaf individuals via telephone. By clicking a link on the 'Contact Us' page on the England Rugby website, deaf BSL users are connected to a qualified interpreter who relays their call to the stadium. The call progresses like any other and can be rerouted as necessary. Through SignVideo, individuals can contact Allianz Stadium for information or ticket bookings, just like hearing individuals.
The introduction of the sensory room and SignVideo adds to the stadium's existing accessibility offer which includes wheelchair and accessible seating, provision for assistance dogs, specially trained Accessible Support Stewards and Audio Descriptive Commentary.
Alex Cohen, RFU Venue Director said: "It's extremely important that Allianz Stadium continues to be an inclusive venue and develops its facilities to ensure as many people as possible feel comfortable in the stadium.
"We continue to strive to be as inclusive as possible and the introduction of both the sensory room and the video remote interpreting system are examples of that."
Sarah Webb, Wooden Spoon CEO said: "Wooden Spoon has proudly funded over 200 sensory rooms, supporting 202,000 children a year. We would love to see a sensory room in every rugby stadium across the home nations, providing inclusive and accessible environments for children and people of all abilities to enjoy the sport we love."