A journey to a game, meeting mates before kick-off, pre-match rituals, the tension of a penalty appeal and the ecstasy of a goal celebration may seem like regular experiences supporting Chelsea - but a new video released today shows those in the context of how some fans live them, and how they are helped by a big step forward in making our stadiums accessible to all.
Ahead of the start of the new season, it was announced that Chelsea would be breaking new ground for a Premier League and Women’s Super League club by teaming up with partner Cadbury to provide British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters on-screen at all home games.
The video, which can be watched below, features fans with hearing loss and follows their day earlier this season, featuring the BSL communication in action. It also shares information on the numbers of people affected.
Chelsea supporter Cavell Donaldson was joined by two friends for the video shoot. All three of them are deaf and he believes the campaign is ‘a superb starting point, already making a difference.’
The BSL interpreters are on-screen at all men’s and women’s domestic and European home fixtures, at both Stamford Bridge and Kingsmeadow, as the club aims to ensure every supporter feels welcome, included and able to fully enjoy the matchday experience.
Chelsea and Cadbury’s Sign with Fingers campaign, built in collaboration with the Chelsea Deaf Supporters Group, National Deaf Children’s Society and Performance Interpreting, looks to celebrate and promote greater inclusion among the club’s fan communities and beyond. More information on that is here