The leader of an Autism charity has said how important it was to be able to watch Everton with her family thanks to new facilities at Hill Dickinson.
Julie Simpson’s charity, Autism awareness UK, wanted The Hill Dickinson to be accessible for all and after four Premier League games she has been able to create new memories.
Autism Adventures UK CIC is a charity that helps spread awareness and provide opportunities for people with autism to help allow them to have new opportunities, like Julie’s son Joe.
Julie said said: “We were able to get Joe into the main room to listen to Z Cars which was amazing and then he was able to come back into the room to relax which was just a great experience.”
With the help of Autism Adventures UK CIC, The Hill Dickinson is becoming more accessible and has given fans an opportunity they would have neve had before.
Going to support a favourite team for most people may seem like something very easy to do, but for some families this is difficult.
But now with the sensory room in the Hill Dickinson stadium anyone can attend matches.
“Having this space that’s a safe environment is really important because if they are out there and get to overwhelmed,” said Julie.
“It’s great to have this space to be able to self-regulate with all the calming sounds and things in here to help them deal with being overwhelmed.”
The stadium has a sound proof sensory room which helps with overstimulated people in a safe and manageable way.
Julie Simpson in the sensory room at The Hill Dickinson Stadium
Simpson’s family have been lifelong Everton fans and she was one of the driving forces in the creation of this sensory room, with its pitch side views and a noise proofing.
It also has outdoor seating for anyone who may want to sit outside and soak in the atmosphere.
Julie and her family feel “ecstatic” to be able to have this experience with their son as at one point it was just a dream.
With the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton has joined a growing list of Premier League clubs along with Southampton, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Manchester City and Newcastle United who have also implemented sensory-friendly spaces as clubs are now prioritising accessibility for all fans.
