Thu 07 May - Posted in Breaking News
Time to read: 3mins
As part of Deaf Awareness Week, Derby County Football Club is highlighting its ongoing commitment to improving accessibility and inclusion for deaf and hard of hearing supporters at Pride Park Stadium.
Pride Park Stadium already incorporates British Sign Language (BSL) into the matchday experience, with BSL integrated into pre-match health and safety videos shown on the big screen and across concourse areas before kick-off. Induction loop facilities are also available throughout the stadium, including portable systems at key service points and in-seat induction loop equipped seating in selected areas of the stadium bowl.
The club is also in active conversation with the Royal School for the Deaf Derby, exploring ideas around how the club can further improve accessibility and inclusion for deaf and hard of hearing supporters. These conversations are ongoing, with a view to developing and potentially implementing initiatives in future seasons.
Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) provides a range of valuable resources to help improve deaf awareness and inclusion. This week, the club is sharing these resources with supporters, staff and stewards, including Deaf Awareness Week materials and the RNID ‘It Does Matter’ report. The Deaf Awareness Week materials can be accessed via the RNID website. Links to both the RNID resources and the ‘It Does Matter’ Report can be found below.
RNID - Deaf Awareness Week Resources
The report is a powerful reminder that inclusion begins with awareness. It highlights the barriers deaf people can face in everyday life and demonstrates how small, practical changes can make a significant difference. Supporters are encouraged to take the time to read the report and reflect on how greater awareness and understanding can help create a more inclusive environment for everyone.
During the close season, Derby County will launch a dedicated survey for deaf and hard of hearing supporters; providing an opportunity for them to share feedback on their matchday experience and help shape future improvements.
Emma Drury, Disability Access Officer at Derby County Football Club, said:
“Deaf Awareness Week is an important opportunity for us to highlight the experiences of deaf and hard-of-hearing supporters, and to continue learning how we can make Pride Park Stadium more accessible.
“By sharing resources from the Royal National Institute for Deaf People with supporters, staff and stewards, working with the Royal School for the Deaf Derby, and launching our post-season survey, we hope to better understand lived experiences and use that feedback to make meaningful improvements.”
Paul Burrows, Headteacher at Royal School for the Deaf Derby, said:
“Our vision is to be the leading specialist provider of education and care to D/deaf children and young people enabling them to achieve their full potential and lead independent and fulfilling adult lives.”
Deaf Awareness Week is an annual campaign promoting greater understanding of deafness, hearing loss, and the value of accessible, inclusive spaces across society. Derby County Football Club is proud to support the campaign and continue its work to make Pride Park Stadium an inclusive environment for all supporters.
