Support provider Dimensions have partnered with games retailer GAME to provide autism-friendly adjustments in their Belong arenas.
It is hoped that the pilot, currently available in Bristol, Cardiff, York, and Manchester’s Trafford Centre, will eventually be rolled out across GAME stores throughout the country.
The trial offers a fantastic opportunity for people with autism to find and develop a hobby in an inclusive environment, with likeminded people.
As part of the project, Dimensions are introducing a range of autism friendly adjustments and providing training in autism awareness.
It is hoped that the adjustments will reduce over-stimulation and create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all gamers.
The training was designed in a partnership between people with autism, Belong arena staff and Dimensions experts.
What are Belong arenas?
Belong arenas are separate areas of GAME stores where customers can play the latest video games and consoles.
Each arena features custom-built, high-powered gaming PCs, XBOX One consoles, PlayStation 4 Consoles and all of the latest titles. There are even opportunities to compete against the country’s best players and experience the latest in virtual reality technology.
Designed by gamers, for gamers, the arenas are welcoming places, with adjustments in place to make the spaces welcoming to people with autism, such as lower noise levels.
Dimensions and autism-friendly entertainment
The Belong project comes as part of a wider Dimensions push for autism and learning disability friendly entertainment.
Dimensions employee, and father of a son with learning disabilities, Martin Boniface recently penned a poignant blog about the need for greater understanding and more accessible entertainment.
In it, Martin offers his top ten tips for avoiding, and dealing with, difficult moments in public.
As well as this, the organisation successfully introduced autism friendly cinema screenings nationwide.
They work alongside ODEON, Vue, Showcase and Cineworld to provide sensory friendly Sunday morning screenings at over 300 locations nationwide.
Adjustments include:
- A relaxed environment where people understand the needs of children and families with autism
- Lights left on low
- Sound turned down
- No trailers or advertisements (unless they are embedded in the film)
- Staff trained in autism awareness
- Disabled access
- Chill out zone, where available
- Freedom to move around and sit where you like
- Bring your own food and drink
- Free entry for carers with a valid CEA Card
- Free social story template, download here
You can subscribe to Dimensions’ e-newsletter for information on Autism Friendly ahead of the summer holidays.
Everyone is welcome to play games in this inclusive environment.
You could also use GAME’s Belong YouTube video highlighting the scope of the Esports industry:
