Afford and Hawks Open Sensory Friendly Space at MCG for All Footy Fans
Announcement posted by Crema PR 04 Apr 2019
MELBOURNE, 4 April 2019 - Footy fans with sensory sensitivity can now cheer on their favourite team at Melbourne's iconic MCG, thanks to the inclusion of the first Afford Sensory Friendly Space within the stadium, developed in partnership between Afford and Hawthorn FC.
Afford (The Australian Foundation for Disability) is a not-for-profit disability service organisation that provides whole-of-life disability supports for people across Australia under the NDIS.
Afford CEO, Steven Herald, says that thanks to the partnership with Hawthorn FC, Afford can provide more inclusive opportunities for people of all abilities and needs.
"Footy fans with sensory needs and their families may have previously stayed home to avoid over stimulation at the game due to loud noises and crowded areas," Mr Herald commented.
"Now, they, and their families, can come and support their team in a space that caters to their sensory needs."
"Our partnership with the Hawks this year has presented many opportunities for us to provide new life experiences for people living with disability and sensory needs in Victoria. We are proud to be part of a genuine experience that supports inclusive opportunity for all."
Hawthorn CEO Justin Reeves said the Afford Sensory Friendly Space supported the club’s vision to be inclusive and welcoming for people of all backgrounds.
“The Afford Sensory Friendly Space is a fantastic opportunity for the Hawthorn Football Club to promote inclusiveness, positivity and social change amongst the football community,” Reeves said.
“We launched the room for the first time in Round 2 and it was fantastic to see so many families utilising the space and its offerings.”
Afford's Allied Health team which consists of occupational therapists, speech pathologists, psychologists and other therapies, have worked behind the scenes to create a genuine sensory friendly experience that incorporates equipment and materials often used in sensory based therapies.
The inclusive sensory friendly space caters to children and adults with sensory sensitivities and incorporates both calming and stimulating zones. The room will have a calming space with sensory lighting and visual displays, a cocoon area for visitors to chill out and relax, bean bags, air cushion, cuddle ball, comfortable seating and a lightwave floor, and activities such as colouring and putty.
Visitors to the sensory space will also have the opportunity to watch the game on a separate large screen and TV screens with reduced noise.
Afford's Sensory Friendly Space in the Yarra Room at the MCG can be accessed by footy fans with general admission tickets by entering via Gate 3 and going up the lifts to level 3.
The room will be available for Hawks home games at the MCG on Sunday, 7th April, Monday, 22th April (Easter Monday), and Sunday, 12th May. Visitors are welcome to enter the room from 2.30pm with the match commencing at 3.20pm.
Afford is a registered charity and has been operating in Australia for over 65 years, providing a range of disability supports to thousands of people every day.
For more information about Afford, visit www.afford.com.au or call 1300 233 673.
Take a sneak peek at the Sensory Friendly Space here:
https://www.hawthornfc.com.au/news/2019-04-02/hawks-open-sensoryfriendly-room
ENDS
Media Contact: Maria Crema: Crema PR m 0402 239 929 e maria@cremapr.com.au
About the Australian Foundation for Disability (Afford) - www.afford.com.au
The Australian Foundation for Disability (Afford) is a registered charity providing disability services to thousands of people across Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. The supports provided by Afford include: Shared Living; Overnight Respite; Social and Community Programs; Transition to Work Programs; Transition to Retirement Programs; Carer Support; Disability Employment Services; Supported Employment; Allied Health Support and Support Coordination.