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Wolves debut sensory room at Molineux

English Premier League football club Wolverhampton Wanderers has unveiled a new stadium sensory room, which is designed to provide supporters with special needs the chance to enjoy a stress-free match-day experience.

The room, which is located in Molineux’s Steve Bull Stand, was launched during Wolves’ recent home match against Chelsea and forms part of a range of developments at the ground that are aimed at increasing inclusivity and accessibility.

The sensory room was unveiled by Wolves’ record goal scorer Steve Bull and features sensory tools, games and equipment for fans who may suffer from sensory overload during matches. The space will be open to home and away supporters of any age.

Adel Spicer, whose two-year-old son Jaxon was one of the first users of the new space, said: “Sometimes it can get a bit too much for Jaxon outside in the stand. At these points, he needs to be calmed down. It’s not at every game, just every now and again it might get too noisy for him and he starts to get a bit frustrated and upset.

“Now the sensory room has been opened and we can use it whenever we need to, it will be great for Jaxon. It was lovely to experience the new room on Saturday. Jaxon spent the whole game in there, watching the match from the window, while also getting the chance to play with the equipment to keep him calm. It is the perfect environment for him.”

Laura Wright, Wolves’ disability access officer, added: “The sensory room will greatly impact those with sensory issues, so they have a choice where they want to go.

“We already have a family who want to book into the room straight away because their little boy couldn’t sit in the stands and was leaving before half-time. He came to the sensory room on Saturday and, for the first time, was able to watch the whole game, which shows just how important this room is.”

Wolves have also launched a new viewing platform in the Sir Jack Hayward Stand to complement the disabled viewing area in the Steve Bull Stand. An audio-description commentary service for blind or partially-sighted supporters has also launched.

The club has also installed a permanent Changing Places toilet facility, which includes a height-adjustable changing bench for adults and children, a hoist system and shower, space for a disabled supporter and up to two carers, a centrally-placed toilet, screens for privacy and a non-slip floor.

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