West Ham United has teamed up with Game Day Vision to signpost visually impaired fans to their fantastic free service.
Game Day Vision is an Essex-based organisation which aims to improve the mental health and wellbeing of visually impaired people by helping them attend live sporting and cultural events.
The company was founded by Andrew Birch, who has severe sight loss and is an avid football fan.
He said: “As a blind person I have attended many events at the London Stadium. Although I think the facilities are brilliant, it can sometimes be tricky navigating your way around without sighted assistance. Having sighted assistance with you is a massive advantage.
“I first decided to reach out to the Club after attending a West Ham match at the start of last season and finding it difficult to make my way around on my own. My own experience made me realise that fans may need some assistance with them to encourage them to come along to matches. I wouldn't want there to be barriers holding people back from attending matches with their favourite team.”
Game Day Vision provides visually impaired people with the support they need to not only attend live events but also to travel to and from them. They do this by recruiting a network of volunteer buddies who deliver this support.
The programme has benefits for both the visually impaired fans and the volunteer, who get to enjoy the social aspect of attending a West Ham United match together.
Birch continued: “Our main aim is to attract more supporters who would like some further assistance at matches. We would also like to attract more potential volunteers to join our team.”
Cathy Bayford, Co-Chair of the West Ham United Disabled Supporters Association said: “We were delighted to participate in discussions with the Club to bring this provision to the London Stadium, creating more opportunities for visually impaired fans to attend our games. This initiative continues to demonstrate the ongoing collaboration between the Club and the DSA to enhance the matchday experience for supporters who have accessibility needs”.
The Club offers a fantastic audio descriptive commentary service for visually impaired fans with commentator James Datson. Supporters can find out more information about how to register for this service in our Access Statement.
Fans who are interested in receiving support through the Game Day Vision scheme, or those who would like to act as a sighted volunteer to support others, can get in touch via the Game Day Vision website or via West Ham United’s Accessibility team.
Find out more about the West Ham United Disabled Supporters Association and their work with the Club via their website.
