The launch of the first ever ‘Easy Read’ guide to a major event successfully enabled people who have learning disabilities to discover Rugby League and be part of the Betfred Challenge Cup Final.
The Rugby Football League partnered with Community Integrated Care, one of Britain’s biggest and most successful social care charities, to create the pioneering, accessible resource. The publication helped to explain the key rules of Rugby League and provided essential information about the Men’s finalists, Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves, for people who require adapted, simplified communication and presentation.
Empowered by the supportive communications in the guide and dedicated support from Community Integrated Care’s specialist teams, more than 20 people supported by the charity in London, Warrington and Wigan were amongst the first-time fans living their dreams at Wembley Stadium.
Community Integrated Care, Rugby League’s official social care partner, has produced a video to capture the impact of the Easy Read guide.
Darren, who is supported by Community Integrated Care, said:
“It was amazing! I had the best day.”
The guide represents another innovation in the long-term partnership between the Rugby Football League and Community Integrated Care to champion social impact and inclusion. It was created by The Support Squad, a team of people who are employed by the charity to share their lived experience of disability to support events and businesses to reach better standards of accessibility.
John Hughes, Director of Partnerships at Community Integrated Care, explained the importance of this resource, stating:
“Everyone should have the right to enjoy live sport, and one way we can empower this is by making communications accessible and inclusive.
“There are so many potential sports fans in our society, but we need to overcome the barriers to access and engagement. Simple but powerful steps like this Easy Read Guide represent real progress. We’d like to thank our partners at the RFL for their support of this concept and the amazing welcome that they gave to our new fans. The joy that the people we support experienced truly demonstrated the power of this partnership.”
Ben Abberstein, RFL Senior EDI Partner, added:
“With an estimated 1.5 million of the UK population requiring Easy Read adaption, this was a brilliant innovation by Community Integrated Care. Rugby League is unique in having a Social Care Partner and we are continually aiming to achieve a greater impact together. Breaking boundaries with this first of its kind guide reflects our shared commitment.
“With Easy Read being a skilled and specialist communications form, we sincerely appreciate the efforts of the team at Community Integrated Care and the people they support in co-producing this resource. We look forward to continuing to build on this success in future games."
