Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has partnered with tech start-up Picturepath to help visitors with special educational needs (SEN) navigate around Lord’s.
The free Picturepath app allows visitors to create bespoke visual timelines by using images from around the Ground which enables them to see, plan and prepare for each stage of their matchday visit.
The app was in use for the first time in the women’s Royal London One-Day International fixture between England and India on Saturday 24 September.
Picturepath's ‘Visit with Picturepath’ feature has been designed to help fans with additional support needs such as autism who may struggle in heightened sensory environments.
"MCC strives to make Lord’s a Ground that is accessible and welcoming to all who visit us"
The app aims to reduce sensory stress and anxiety and create a more welcoming and inclusive experience for all.
Large crowds, loud cheering, floodlights, sights and sounds typical of matchday can cause significant anxiety for fans with additional needs, particularly those with autism.
Lord's is the latest sporting venue to partner with Picturepath to improve accessibility and inclusivity and provide a fair and equal matchday experience for all fans.
Speaking of the partnership, Picturepath founder, Richard Nurse said: "We are delighted to work with Lord’s to create visual visitor guides at the home of English cricket. Visitors attending on match days, and those coming for tours or hospitality functions or use of the Indoor Cricket Center facilities will be able to use the visitor guides to plan their day in advance to help reduce anxiety. We're delighted to help to improve inclusivity and enjoyment for the thousands of fans who come to Lord's every year."
Ricky Reynolds, Head of Community Development and Inclusion at MCC said: “MCC strives to make Lord’s a Ground that is accessible and welcoming to all who visit us. Working with Picturepath will ensure that children with special educational needs, who may previously have been anxious whilst visiting Lord’s, can enjoy a top-class matchday experience whilst visiting the Ground.”
Picturepath received investment from Nova Growth Capital to facilitate the product extension and its future plans to expand the software throughout UK venues.
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