New Audio Descriptive Commentary for blind and partially sighted football fans
In their centenary season Cambridge United are proud to announce the launch of a new service which will enable blind and partially-sighted football supporters to enjoy a more fulfilling matchday experience , in the company of their friends and family.
Audio Descriptive Commentary has been made available at approximately two dozen clubs in recent years but Cambridge United believe that this is only the third time it has ever been offered at a club outside of the Football League. Using sophisticated modern technology the Audio Description service enables blind or partially-sighted fans to sit or stand wherever they like within the R Costings Abbey Stadium and to listen to exclusive commentary of the match in real time , via a pocket-sized receiver and an inconspicuous ear-piece.
The idea of an AD service was spawned in 2009 when Warren Wilson , a lifelong Cambridge United supporter from Duxford , lost most of his sight whilst studying for his A-Levels , due to a rare condition known as Leber`s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy. Despite his visual impairment Warren was still keen to attend matches and contacted the club to find out if any facilities existed to help him do so. Cambridge Fans United , an independent supporters` trust , put out a public appeal for volunteers to organise and run a fledgling AD service. After a period of training organised through the RNIB`s SoccerSight scheme , a small group of dedicated describers now provide real-time commentary on every Cambridge United home game , with duties shared on a rotating basis.
The AD service is completely FREE to users ; all staff involved are volunteers who give their time for free. It is available to ALL supporters , whether home or away fans , at EVERY Cambridge United home fixture (Blue Square Premier and all cup competitions) during the 2012/13 season. As the number of receivers is limited , access to the AD service is on a strictly first-come-first-served basis. Any potential users interested in reserving a receiver or simply finding out more about this innovative new service should contact Nick Parker at CFU on 07929 589925 or e-mail nick.parker56@googlemail.com.