Baggies join forces against discrimination of ‘invisible’ illnesses
ALBION are delighted to announce they have joined the Colostomy Association's 'stoma-friendly society' campaign.
The Hawthorns is now displaying ‘Not all disabilities are visible #stomafriendly' signs on all of the club's accessible toilet facilities across the stadium.
Almost one in every 500 people in the UK are affected and have additional needs when using the toilet. As the condition is ‘invisible’, those affected often face discrimination when using an accessible toilet.
In a recent Colostomy Association survey, more than 30 per cent of respondents stated they had experienced problems of this nature.
The Colostomy Association is currently campaigning to create a 'stoma-friendly society'. This includes encouraging organisations across the UK to display suitable signage on accessible toilets to reduce discrimination and to improve toilet facilities for people who have a stoma.
In addition, the club have recently built a number of new additional accessible toilets for both home and away supporters and also implemented enhanced disability awareness training for all stewards and staff, re-enforcing the message that not all disabilities are visible.
Albion disability access officer Chris Harris said: “We are committed to ensuring the Hawthorns stadium is accessible to everyone and we want to ensure that all supporters, regardless of their needs, can enjoy a day out here.
"We hope these signs will make a real difference to our supporters and visitors if they have a stoma bag or any other invisible condition.”