West Ham United have shown their support for The Level Playing Field 'Unite For Access' campaign which is focused on raising awareness and driving equality for a more inclusive matchday experience for disabled sports fans.
The 2024 campaign ran from Saturday 24 February to Sunday 10 March and helped to recognise why watching live sport is so important to disabled supporters and what clubs do to deliver this as we come together to mark the occasion.
West Ham United actively work with the Disabled Supporters Association and London Stadium to positively impact the experience of disabled supporters at matches.
The Club are part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme, which enables people with non-visible disabilities to access the specific support they need and supporters registered with the Club’s Accessibility Team can apply for a discreet credit card style pass to help further identify any non-visible disabilities.
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 a Stadium access card, which elevates problems using technology at the turnstile and can allow them to 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 Officer (SLOs) and Disabled Supporter Assistant (DSAs) 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. Easily recognisable by their bright pink livery, DSAs are there to assist our accessible supporters, wherever they can.
- A dedicated expert team are in place to help disabled supporters on matchday, who can be identified by the 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 Club provides a total of 18 complimentary shuttle buses on every home matchday to assist disabled supporters and fans with accessibility requirements in travelling to and from the Stadium and both Stratford and Stratford International Stations. Buses operate continuously from two hours prior to kick-off, with 18 shuttles running for up to a maximum of 90 minutes after the full-time whistle.
- 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 Disability Access Officer Julie Pidgeon said: “We are delighted to be working with the Club’s Disability Supporters Board (DSB) to mark the Unite For Access campaign.
“Our Club is 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 DSB are invaluable in providing ongoing feedback and partnering with the Club to provide an enjoyable and equitable experience for all supporters.”
Disabled Supporters Association Co-Chair Cathy Bayford said: “The DSB & the Accessibility Team now have a proven track record on how well we can work together. Since our move to the London Stadium we have seen various initiatives put into place to further improve the matchday experience for all those with accessibility issues when attending a match.
“We are proud of the work we do together and the positive relationship we have forged with the Club and how we can continue to come together to solve any new issues that arise.”
If you have any questions or wish to provide feedback on the new service, please contact us on 0333 030 0174 or email [email protected]
The Disabled Supporters Board has members representing a cross section of disabilities. They all give their time voluntarily to work with the Club to further improve our matchday experience in making the London Stadium fully accessible.
If you are a disabled supporter or a carer and interested in applying to become a member of the DSB please contact us at [email protected]. We are particularly interested in those with admin skills who are able to offer support behind the scenes.
