Yahoo News Audio equipment to aid visually impaired set for Brandywell Staidum
Derry City and Strabane District Council has approved equipment to improve visually impaired fans’ experience at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium
During a report on accessibility improvements for the stadium, at a Health and Community Committee meeting on Thursday, May 15, members approved the purchase transmitter/radio equipment, at a cost of £2,000, to allow for live audio description during matches.
“A motion was proposed at December’s Full Council to make improvements to accessibility at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium,” the report stated. “Officers were asked to explore whether the ‘Soccer Sight’ programme, which has been implemented successfully at Windsor Park, Belfast, could be introduced at the stadium.
Read more: Brandywell upgrade given green light by council planning committee
“The Soccer Sight programme aims to provide audio description, transmitted to a radio receiver through a headset which can be used anywhere within the stadium for the benefit of blind and partially-sighted supporters.
“Commentary equipment and headset devices would need to be purchased and these would then be loaned out on match night to fans who require the service.
“Stakeholders have agreed that an audio service similar to Soccer Sight can be provided which, while not being identical, will provide the same level of assistance to users.
“Derry City Football Club will organise the administration of the devices on match night, while DRIVE 105 have agreed to provide match commentary.”
Sinn Féin councillor Aisling Hutton said she was “absolutely delighted to see this get over the line”.
“There’s a lot of excited visually impaired people out there who are really looking forward to this new match experience,” Councillor Hutton added. “And I know it’s not the same as Soccer Sight but this is unique to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium and it’s great to see a local radio station involved in it.”
SDLP councillor Lilian Barr said all public services had to be accessible for all.
Councillor Barr concluded: “If anybody is left behind it’s really unfair for our community, so we’re very happy to support it.”
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