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Tribune News Network
Doha
As part of its commitment to ensuring the FIFA World Cup 2022 is the most accessible edition in the tournament’s history, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) has further developed its unique approach to ensuring stadiums cater for all – with the installment of another groundbreaking ‘sensory room’ at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah City.
The room – which provides people with autism and other neurobehavioural conditions a safe space to retreat to during the game – was designed and delivered in partnership with the Qatar Rehabilitation Institute (QRI), and follows the successful inclusion of a similar room at Khalifa International Stadium.
For the second time during a Qatar 2022 stadium opening, the SC delivered a groundbreaking sensory room as Al Janoub Stadium opened its gates for the 2019 Amir Cup final.
On the night, 22 children with autism from the Qatar Foundation Disability Football Programme and the QRI – joined by their parents – watched the game from the comfort of the room.
The group from Qatar Foundation was also given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate in a special on-pitch Generation Amazing activation led by Brazil’s FIFA World Cup-winning captain Cafu.
Before, during and after the game, the children had access to the sensory room – which was filled with equipment such as bubble tubes, beanbags, a ball pen; and also included relaxing wall and ceiling projections.
Commenting on the room and the partnership with the SC, QRI’s Chief of Occupational Therapy Sultan al Abdulla said, “The team at QRI is proud to have partnered with the SC to equip the state-of-the-art sensory rooms in the stadium.
“Along with the SC, we are committed to promoting accessibility and inclusion for people with disabilities in all aspects of life in Qatar, including working together to reach the vision of a fully accessible World Cup.”
He added, “The QRI has provided a range of specialist sensory equipment for the room which is now available in the stadium for children and adults who have conditions such as attention deficits, autism and head injuries. The room enables users to watch the matches under the supervision of an expert occupational therapist in a nurturing, client-centred sensory supportive environment.”
Although not written in FIFA’s requirements, the SC and its stakeholders are committed to prioritising accessibility in 2022, with plans in place to cater for people with both physical and cognitive disabilities.
The equipment in the room was provided by Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) and specialist staff from the QRI were on hand to assist the children when they needed extra care.
SC’s Community Engagement Manager Mead al Emadi said, “We are proud to deliver another sensory room at the Al Janoub Stadium. We have always said this World Cup is a World Cup for all. All are welcome and all will be catered for – that includes people with conditions that can sometimes make it challenging to attend large-scale events such as football matches.
“However, with the inclusion of these sensory rooms, the children and their families can attend the games knowing they have a safe space just a few metres away, should they become overwhelmed at any point.”
She added, “It gives us all great pleasure to see these children able to relax and enjoy the events, just like everyone else. I would like to thank our partners at Qatar Foundation, QRI and HMC for making this wonderful project possible, and we look forward to working together many more times over the coming years up to and beyond 2022.”
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27/06/2019
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