Ricoh Arena launches the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard
Ricoh Arena and Wasps have bolstered their commitment to inclusivity after signing up to a scheme that supports those with hidden disabilities.
Visitors to the venue will soon be able to pick up a sunflower-themed lanyard to signify that they have a disability or condition that is not obvious.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard is making its first appearance at Ricoh Arena at Wasps’ Gallagher Premiership clash against Worcester Warriors on Saturday 28 March (kick-off 3pm) – a day which is part of the Club’s double header, as Wasps Ladies also take on Waterloo Ladies at 5.15pm.
The lanyards will then be permanently available at Wasps’ ticket office and at Ricoh Arena’s main reception for the 1.3 million visitors that pass through Ricoh Arena’s doors every year for live sport, music, conferences and exhibitions.
Jordan Young, Senior Community Development Officer at Wasps, is the driving force behind bringing the initiative to Ricoh Arena.
He said: “Introducing the sunflower lanyard adds to the great work that is already being done with the Club’s pitch-facing sensory room which is used by families for Wasps matches.
“Not all disabilities – such as autism, deafness and learning disabilities – are obvious to the general public, and these lanyards will play a crucial role in notifying venue staff and other visitors that the lanyard wearers may require additional assistance.
“We will be training as many of our staff as we can around increasing understanding of disabilities, and how we can make a positive impact across the business for customers with disabilities.
“Thousands of people visit Wasps matches and other events at The Ricoh every year, and we’re hoping we can do our part by spreading awareness of the initiative even further.”
For more information about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard, visit www.hiddendisabilitiesstore.com.
About Ricoh Arena
Ricoh Arena is one of the UK’s most versatile venues for live sport, music, conferences and exhibitions, putting the Midlands on the map as a leading destination for events.
The venue boasts a 32,000-seater stadium bowl alongside the 6,000 square metre Ericsson Indoor Arena and 80 versatile suites for meetings. There is also an onsite 121-bedroom DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel and Grosvenor Casino.
The Coventry-based venue is within a two-hour car journey of 75 per cent of the UK, and is twenty minutes away from Birmingham Airport.