With an ambition to make the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the most accessible in the history of the tournament, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy has adopted a unique approach to ensure the nation’s stadiums are inclusive for all.

The innovative sensory room at the newly launched Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah offers a safe space for children with autism and neurobehavioral conditions to enjoy during a game. 

The room is designed and established under an SC-Qatar Rehabilitation Institute (QRI) partnership and is the second of its kind. The first such room was installed at Khalifa International Stadium earlier.

Equipped with advanced technology, the room officially opened its door to 22 children with autism from the Qatar Foundation Disability Football Program and the QRI on the evening of the 2019 Amir Cup final.

The children together with their parents watched the game from the comfort of the sensory room that contains entertaining materials in addition to relaxing wall and ceiling projections.

“We are proud to have been able to deliver another sensory room, this time at the magnificent Al Janoub Stadium. We have always said this World Cup is a World Cup for all,” said SC’s Community Engagement Manager, Mead Al Emadi.

“[This] includes people with conditions that can sometimes make it challenging to attend large-scale events such as football matches. However, the inclusion of these sensory rooms, they and their families can attend the games knowing they have a safe space just a few meters away, should they become overwhelmed at any point,” she added.

Last month's opening of Al Janoub Stadium was notable for many reasons, not least because of the groundbreaking 'sensory room' that was installed. The room provided a safe space for 22 local children with autism and other neurobehavioural conditions. Another #Qatar2022 first. pic.twitter.com/9AoSfXk5RN

— Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (@SCcorporate) June 26, 2019

 

QRI’s Chief of Occupational Therapy, Sultan Al Abdulla mentioned that the room provides a client-centered sensory supportive environment with the availability of expert occupational therapist to supervise the room users.

“The QRI has provided a range of specialist sensory equipment for the sensory room which is now available in the stadium for children and adults who have conditions such as attention deficits, autism, and head injuries,” he said.

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Cover Image Credit: Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy