Cats All Abilities Clinic 2019
Families had the opportunity to get onto the ground at GMHBA Stadium and develop their skills with guidance from Geelong Cats players at the club’s annual All Abilities Clinic this week.
The Cats provided another fun and inclusive event for children with disabilities, their siblings and parents to enjoy together. On the day families also got to explore and make use of the new quiet room, developed for people with sensory issues to retreat to away from the crowds and noise of match days. The room includes big screen viewing of the match and a noise cancelling sensory room which will be available from round 6 in the football program.
We congratulate the Cats on their pioneering work to create a welcoming environment for children and adults with autism and disabilities and their families. In addition to the sensory room, 500 stadium staff have been trained in how people with sensory issues are affected, an online social story is available to help people prepare when attending a sporting event and sensory backpacks with noise cancelling headphones and other items will also be available.
Gateways’ President Dr Bernie Jenner has been working as part of the Cats steering group to advise on the development of this project and Parent Support Coordinator, Carolyn McDiarmid has assisted with stadium staff training.
