Hibernian FC are proud to be supporting and celebrating World Autism Acceptance Week.
World Autism Acceptance Week runs from Tuesday 2 April until Monday 8 April, and aims to help people understand what autism is, alongside raising awareness of discrimination and barriers that affect autistic people across all sectors of society.
Over the last few years Hibernian FC has put in a lot of work to make the Club accessible for everyone, and in this case it’s crucial that autistic people, and their families and carers, can access tailored information, guidance, and support to overcome any barriers in them attending football matches.
To enhance their matchday experience, the Club has a number of provisions in place to help autistic supporters enjoy games at Easter Road.
Sensory Bags
The Club offers autistic supporters a ‘Sensory Bag’ for their first match at Easter Road Stadium, which includes a number of items that helps them feel more comfortable.
This includes a pair of ear defenders and a fidget ring to help autistic supporters with their sensory overload.
The supporter keeps the sensory bag and can then use its contents for their subsequent visits back to Easter Road.
Access Passes
Autistic supporters can apply for an access pass for the lift, liquid, or both. Supporters can request these through Accessible Tickets: accessibletickets@hibernianfc.co.uk.
At home games the Club has Disability Support Team members on-site to assist our accessible supporters.
Audio Descriptive Commentary
Whilst audio descriptive commentary’s main purpose is to help partially sighted and blind supporters, it has also been taken up by some autistic supporters at Easter Road.
Hibernian FC are proud to be leaders in this area in Scotland and further plans are in place to help autistic supporters and other accessible fans.
Supporters wishing to gain further information on this should contact Joyce Harvie, Hibernian FC’s Disability Liaison Officer, on accessibletickets@hibernianfc.co.uk.
Join David Gray's Cycle For Autism
David Gray is also embarking on a gruelling challenge cycling from Hampden to Easter Road to help children with autism and other neurodiverse conditions play football weekly.
To find out more about his 'Cycle For Autism' click on the poster above.
Gray's cycle is just an element of how the Hibernian Community Foundation is also trying to help supporters and people in the local community who have autism.
To find out more please CLICK HERE or head over to their social media channels.
