Club supports International Day of People with Disabilities 2020

The Club is proud to support International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPwD) on 3 December.

Worldwide there are an estimated 1 billion disabled people, with nearly 14 million living in the United Kingdom. The theme of this year’s global event is ‘Not all Disabilities are Visible’, with the aim of raising awareness and understanding of disabilities that are not always apparent.

These include sight or hearing impairments, Autism, diabetes, mental illness, chronic pain or fatigue, brain injury, and learning disabilities.

Tottenham Hotspur Foundation has a proven track record in providing opportunities for those living with disabilities across our communities.

This includes sport and physical activity sessions as well as programmes aimed at helping those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities into employment.

In line with this year’s theme of IDPwD, the Foundation has this year been working with Metro Blind Sports Club to support visually impaired people onto its community-based physical activity programmes.

Foundation coaches are trained in adapting their delivery of sessions to provide increased levels of verbal description during physical demonstrations.

Simon, who has a visual impairment and started attending our adapted ‘Shape Up With Spurs’ sessions in November, said: “I had a magnificent time working out on Wednesday afternoon. I am honestly still buzzing from the workout. For some reason, I felt like I could really let go and push myself way beyond I would normally go.”

Gareth Jones, Equalities & Inclusion Manager, Tottenham Hotspur Foundation, said: “Throughout the pandemic it has been important that people from across our local communities are supported to remain active and connected to maintain positive health and wellbeing helping to reduce periods of isolation.

“During lockdown, particular groups found it more challenging to remain active and connected due to the measures in place. The Foundation has continued to provide weekly exercise sessions, delivered virtually, encouraging members of our communities to take part.”

Equality and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do as a Club.

Our stadium is fully compliant with the Accessible Stadia Guide and exceeds standards in many areas. For example, in addition to dedicated accessible entrances, the stadium has accessible seating and wheelchair spaces in all stands. It also includes three Changing Places facilities for fans with more complex needs, which have more space and equipment than standard accessible toilets.

Located in the stadium’s North Stand, our Sensory Suite offers a comfortable and calming environment for supporters on the autistic spectrum or with sensory impairment conditions to watch matches. The room is complete with a tactile wall, a bubble tube and several other pieces of sensory equipment.

Ahead of Sunday’s long-awaited return of fans, the Club continues to work closely with SpursAbility, our Disabled Supporters’ Association which represents and promotes the views of disabled fans, to ensure they have a positive experience at matches.

Jo McNicol, Chair of SpursAbility, said: “Today we celebrate all our achievements in making football accessible for all.

“We have one of the best, if not the best, stadiums in Europe and everyone gets to be included. The design stage of our new home involved fans with a range of disabilities and the result is an inclusive matchday experience in a stadium with facilities that everyone can enjoy.

“I’m proud to be part of a Club that is committed to equality and diversity and ensures everyone associated with it feels included.”

To find out how you can become a member of SpursAbility, visit: https://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/fans/supporters-clubs/uk/spursability/