After a successful pilot period in the 2018/19 season, Derby County Community Trust are very pleased to announce that the Sensory Room will be available for every Derby County home game during the 2019/20 season.
The Sensory Room is for children and adults who have additional needs, aimed at those with Autism and/or Asperger syndrome. Participants and families who used the facility last season were so impressed with the experience that the Trust have committed to fund the project for the entirety of this season.
The equipment was funded by the Shaun Barker Foundation to provide a safe and relaxing space to enjoy a Derby County game from inside or outside a hospitality box, designed to ensure the game can be enjoyed by all.
Families can come and enjoy the game with the support of Derby County Community Trust trained staff. Kids with limited communication can enjoy relaxing music and can play with tangible and sensory stimulating objects.
Lauren Asquith, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at Derby County Community Trust said: “For some children or adults it may be that the additional sensory objects and sights that they are able to feed off allow them to enjoy the match, and it also provides a quiet spaces for those who are not able to process all senses.
“It’s also for those who may want to stay inside for the duration of a game, it allows them to watch through the window and still get the experience of being at the ground on a matchday. It’s not just about the person with a disability, it’s about providing opportunities for families who aren’t able to facilitate this experience on their own.”
The Sensory Room aims to eliminate any segregation from who can, and who can’t, enjoy a game of football at Pride Park Stadium by removing the barriers that some of our participants face by providing an environment designed for their needs.
All enquiries to use the Sensory Room this season must complete the form here to express an interest.
For more information please email lauren.asquith@dcct.co.uk.