Community Integrated Care, the social care partner of Rugby League, has recently released an ‘Easy Read Guide For The Challenge Cup Finals’ in anticipation of the event at Wembley Stadium this Saturday, 8th June. This guide, a first of its kind for a major sporting event in the UK, aims to deliver comprehensive and accessible information about the upcoming Men’s and Women’s finals in a clear and concise manner.
Developed in collaboration with fans who have learning disabilities and require daily care and support, this unique guide represents a significant breakthrough in promoting inclusivity and understanding within the Rugby League community. Known as the Community Integrated Care’s ‘Support Squad’, these individuals have leveraged their lived experiences and love for the sport to create a resource that caters to individuals of all abilities. With guidance from the Rugby Football League (RFL), the Easy Read Guide has been meticulously designed to be suitable for all audiences.
According to Lewis Webster, Sports Inclusion Communications Manager at Community Integrated Care, the guide has been specifically tailored to make Rugby League and the finals more understandable, with the goal of ensuring accessibility for everyone. The members of the ‘Support Squad’ have played a pivotal role in simplifying the rules of the sport, making it easily comprehensible for individuals of all abilities.
Matt Price, a member of the ‘Support Squad’ and co-creator of the guide, has expressed his enthusiasm for being part of a team that promotes inclusivity and accessibility in sports. His involvement in the creation of the guide has been both rewarding and meaningful, as it enables more people with learning disabilities to engage with and appreciate the sport he loves. The guide aims to provide insight into the historic cup competition and is designed to enhance understanding and excitement for all readers.
Ben Abberstein, RFL Senior EDI Partner, has commended the launch of the Easy Read Guide, emphasizing its role in enabling more people to access and enjoy Rugby League’s showpiece event. He has expressed his appreciation for the efforts of Community Integrated Care and the Support Squad in producing a guide that reduces the barriers associated with traditional text-heavy documents.
The upcoming Challenge Cup Finals at Wembley Stadium promise an action-packed day of Rugby League, featuring the Women’s Betfred Challenge Cup Final, the Men’s Final, and the AB Sundecks 1895 Cup Final. Tickets for this exciting event are now available online, with prices starting from £20 for adults and £10 for under 16s, along with family packages. This inclusive initiative by Community Integrated Care and the Support Squad is set to make the sport more accessible and enjoyable for a diverse range of individuals.
To conclude, the launch of the ‘Easy Read Guide For The Challenge Cup Finals’ by Community Integrated Care marks a significant step towards promoting inclusivity and accessibility in sports. By involving individuals with learning disabilities in the creation of this groundbreaking resource, the organization has demonstrated a strong commitment to making Rugby League more welcoming and understandable for all fans. The upcoming finals at Wembley Stadium present an opportunity for individuals of all abilities to experience the excitement of Rugby League in an inclusive and accessible manner.