A Space for Everyone

South East Melbourne Phoenix have teamed up with the Inclusion Project from the Hawks Community Foundation to launch a Sensory Room at John Cain Arena for use during home games. For the last three weeks families who need a quiet space to enjoy games have been able to with the Sensory Room. 

And with the Throwdown expected to explode on Sunday, the sensory room will provide Phoenix fans who may have sensory needs with a place to watch their team in action. 

For many families, going to the basketball is an exciting ritual. Yet it can often be a stressful experience navigating through the busy environment with large crowds and loud noises. It can be even more stressful when you or someone you are attending with has a disability which is not immediately apparent to staff.

(The sensory room is a quiet space for those who need a break from the excitement of the game on court.)

These hidden disabilities can include autism, anxiety issues, mental health conditions, dementia, visual impairments, deaf or hard of hearing. Phoenix have recently partnered with The Inclusion Project for home games at the Fire Pit. The aim of this program is to assist in creating a stress-free basketball experience in a discreet manner. This program supports fans requiring special assistance as they navigate through the stadium. 

"It is important to make sure everyone feels safe, supported, and included at the basketball," Phoenix Community Manager, Claire Castle said. "At the Phoenix we want everyone to feel included and that means creating opportunities for everyone to be able to enjoy the game day experience. That goes for not only children who need the sensory room, but also their families.

"Minimising the distress of a child with sensory needs, means their parents and siblings can enjoy the game as well. These families often miss out on events like this, we want them to be able to have fun as a family." 

(Staff will provide you with sunflower lanyards to easily recognise if you need extra assistance.)

Hidden Disabilities Packs on arrival will receive: 

- A lanyard to wear from arrival at the stadium to allow staff to recognise that you may require additional assistance throughout the game. 

- A Sensory Map to identify high sensory and low sensory areas to help you navigate through the stadium and prepare for additional noise, crowded areas 

- Social Stories that illustrate how to navigate through John Cain Arena, displayed through pictures in an easy to understand structure. 

The Sensory Room is managed by trained staff with knowledge on how to support someone wearing a lanyard to ensure the additional care and consideration needed during the time of the game. They will be able to guide families through each step, providing information or lending a helping hand to navigate through the match. 

The Sensory Room has a quiet area with distractions to keep individuals occupied and time away from the excitement of the basketball game. Lights have been dimmed to not over stimulate guests in addition to a lot of distractions and comfy areas to relax. 

(There is lots of distractions to keep guests occupied.)

When guests arrive to John Cain Arena, they can meet a staff member with a flower lanyard near Gate 6 inside, who will guide you to the Sensory Room for the game. 

The Sensory Room is located at the Northern End and has had over 50 individuals using the space over the past 3 games, and will again be in use on Sunday.

CLICK HERE to buy your tickets to Sunday's game and enjoy a quiet area while enjoying the basketball.

Phoenix Media (10/3/22)