Arsenal have announced that a British Sign Language (BSL) service will be fully integrated at the Emirates Stadium for the first time when the Gunners lock horns with Bournemouth. The initiative, launched with the help of Gunners star Jorginho, is in partnership with Level Playing Field's #UniteForAccess campaign.
In a one-minute video on social media, the 31-year-old midfielder sent a message in BSL where he signed the announcement. Jorginho began learning sign language during lockdown.
The Italy international gestured: "Welcome to the Emirates, my name is Jorginho. Arsenal prides itself on being inclusive to all supporters. We are pleased to launch our British Sign Language service for all home fixtures.
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"BSL is now an officially recognised language. BSL creates an accessible matchday experience. Thank you, come on you Gunners."
Jorginho's video message in BSL will also feature on the big screen at the stadium before kick-off against the Cherries. The Italian's efforts have also been accompanied by a statement from Arsenal.
A club statement reads: "Unite For Access is an annual period of inspiration and celebration of good access and inclusion at sports venues. At all home games, our pitchside show will now have full BSL integration and all club content within the stadium will have an embedded BSL interpreter.
"Accessibility support also includes our Sensory Room, Audio Descriptive Commentary, and our specialist Disability Liaison Team that support visitors at all men’s home and away games, as well as women’s home games. Access and inclusion is a focus for us year-round, and we work closely across the club and with external groups to ensure that this is embedded in everything we do.
"This includes using independent access auditors, collaborating with the Arsenal Disabled Supporters Association, and engaging with and surveying our disabled supporters to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and barriers they face. Through a number of initiatives undertaken in our community, inside Emirates Stadium and throughout the club, we endeavour to ensure that everyone can feel an equal sense of pride and belonging to Arsenal."
Mikel Arteta will be keen to kickstart the #UniteForAccess campaign with a win as Arsenal look to extend their three-game winning streak in the Premier League. The Gunners sit top of the table but Manchester City are in their tracks.
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