West Ham United are now part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme, which enables people with non-visible disabilities to access the specific support they need.
Globally, one in seven people live with a disability, which is approximately 1.3 billion people. But while some experience a disability that is visible, many have a non-visible condition or experience a combination of both visible and non-visible conditions.
One of the Valuable 500 companies working together for disability inclusion, West Ham have numerous measures in place across multiple areas to support people with a hidden disability. These include the following:
- Supporters can contact the Club to request an access card, which allows them utilise lifts and designated accessibility lanes at the London Stadium on matchdays.
- All front-line staff have been trained to support those with hidden disabilities and they wear the Hidden Sunflower badges so they can be easily identified.
- A Sensory Room is in place at London Stadium to provide a space for people with sensory needs to enjoy Hammers matchdays in a calm and comfortable. environment, which has been developed in close conjunction with the Disabled Supporters’ Board (DSB).
- Bespoke matchday commentary is available for visually impaired and blind supporters. There are 70 accessible headsets available for supporters at the London Stadium.
- British Sign Language (BSL) staff are available to support spectators at the London Stadium. Both the matchday supporter liaison team and the disabled supporter assistance team have staff members who are trained in BSL Level One in order to provide additional support for those that are deaf or hard-of-hearing.
- A dedicated expert team are in place to help disabled supporters on matchday, who can be identified by pink bibs. The team, who come from a variety of backgrounds, are experts in understanding the complex need of disabled supporters.
- Each entry bridge has a dedicated accessible lane for supporters who may struggle to stand in queues. These lanes are manned by a member of the stewarding team to ensure lanes are kept free for those who need them most. These entrances can be used by wheelchair users and ambulant disabled supporters.
- In all lifts, there are visual floor indicators, induction loops, an audible announcer, with lift doors distinguishable from their surroundings and access level/step-free.
- Directional floor signage is available outside of each lift in general admission areas and the steward operating the lift will be at hand to offer directional assistance.
- The West Ham United Access Statement provides supporters with all the information needed in relation to access, services and facilities at the London Stadium, and provides contact details for the Accessibility Team.
West Ham United Director of Safeguarding & Inclusion Jackie Ferdinand and West Ham United Disability Access Officer Julie Pidgeon said: “Our Club is fully committed to working continuously to find new ways and strengthen existing arrangements to provide a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment for all supporters and visitors to London Stadium.
“The Club’s Disability Supporters Board (DSB), are invaluable in providing ongoing feedback and partnering with the Club to provide an enjoyable and equitable experience for all supporters.
“Our stadium is a fully accessible venue, and we are pleased to have a wide range of measures in place that make our Club part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme, which reinforces our unequivocal commitment to making sure West Ham's family of supporters, staff and visitors can have an enjoyable experience.”
For any enquiries relating to accessibility, please contact our Accessibility team on 0333 030 0174 or email [email protected].
