Booking the sensory room at VP - Advice sought

[Laurence]

I hope this question is in the right place.  I wonder if anyone can please point me in the right direction.  I'm considering bringing my eleven-year-old son to his first game, I'm a lapsed season ticket holder living near Preston and rarely get to a game. My lad has autism, I read the story below from 2019, the sensory room is a great idea, it would be perfect to shield him from the noise, he'd love it. 

https://www.avfc.co.uk/News/2019/05/08/sensory-room-opens-at-villa-park

I've checked the ticket website and there seems no mention of this facility. Any ideas of my first port of call to discuss with someone at the club?

All the best
Loz

[Risso]

It says in that report that they'll be handed by the ticket office so I'd give them a call in the first place. First I've heard of it though, hope it's still there for you.

[Laurence]

Thanks Risso, I managed to speak to someone at the ticket office, who pointed me in the right direction. 

For anyone else reading this thread in the future, the person currently responsible for accessibility is Anthony Richards on 0121 326 1518. 

Sorry to waste your time, when I could have solved this myself, I was expecting the ticket office experience to be a nightmare. 

[Drummond]

No time wasted, you've just highlighted something I knew nothing about that is a credit to the club. Another great initiative.

[Somniloquism]

Seconded Drummond on all points.

[Risso]

If noise is a problem you could just take him to watch the Albion!

[Laurence]

Thanks Gents, noted on Albion (-:  He's been to Burnley, which was pretty quiet and very friendly, but not quite VP.

In the meantime, the club responded positively, but the guy I need to talk to is on leave until next week.

I'm gunning for Norwich, as should be a nice day, with the return of Deano and non-threatening opposition fans. 

[algy]

Would love to hear about your experiences with
 this, Laurence. I've got twin boys, one potentially autistic. The other desperately wants to go to football, but won't go without his brother & I think he'd struggle with the match day noise & general merriment.

[Gerrin]

No time wasted, you've just highlighted something I knew nothing about that is a credit to the club. Another great initiative.

Indeed very interesting, I've never seen any clubs offering this service.

Hope the pricing is offardable, what a great idea.

[Laurence]

Gents, if I can get this sorted I will absolutely report back on all aspects, including price.

Algy, DM me, I have two boys and if possible intend to take them both, which would be much more fun!  Not sure how big the sensory rooms are, but nowt stopping us both using the room at the same time if that works for us both.  Regardless, I'll check on how the rooms are booked/used and the view on siblings and get back on here. 

[Legion]

No time wasted, you've just highlighted something I knew nothing about that is a credit to the club. Another great initiative.

Same. Agreed.

[SoccerHQ]

No time wasted, you've just highlighted something I knew nothing about that is a credit to the club. Another great initiative.

Arsenal have one aswell, important for more clubs to have in future years with more individuals being diagnosed as Autistic.

https://www.arsenal.com/news/arsenal-sensory-room

[purpletrousers]

Yep I think they are getting quite widespread. My nephew is in he promo video I think fit the Saints one.
Btw the disabled loo/baby changing (little AV did first match without resorting to a nappy Saturday, only one trip to loo in 2nd half, no accidents!!) behind the family zone is now massive & totally refurbed (you need a radar key or steward to let you in). Shower, hoist, full size pull down changing bed thing, it’s really really impressive. Took a vid of it to show my Mrs as I sat on the bog. Deleted the first attempt as it featured me in he mirror with my trousers round my ankles. 😳