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Ascot Racecourse is introducing hidden disability lanyards at the Royal Meeting next week, following the successful introduction of the concept at organisations such as Sainsbury’s, Heathrow and Gatwick Airports.
The sunflower is recognised as a symbol of hope in mental health and has been adopted as a way for venue representatives to identify visitors who may need assistance.
Joanna Wales, Head of Operations at Ascot Racecourse, said: “There has been a real drive to include those with all manner of hidden disabilities at the races of late, whether relating to social anxieties, phobias, depression, dementia or autism. This list isn’t exhaustive by any means.
“Looking after our all our visitors and doing whatever we can do to assist, is high on our agenda at Ascot. We have produced an Accessibility Map & Guide and are reproducing Royal Ascot race cards in large format for those who are visually impaired.”
Sara Marchant, Accessibility Manager from Gatwick, described the success of the project from their perspective by adding:
“Since we have been using the lanyards, people tell us that they feel much more confident and that they know they will get any additional help they may need.”
Guests at Royal Ascot can register in advance for a lanyard by visiting the accessibility page on the Ascot website – https://www.ascot.co.uk/accessibility-2019 or they can be collected at any entrance or on the mobility transport that is provided from the car parks.
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Karen can usually be found glued to her computer or at the stables. Having edited several national magazines she co-founded Eclipse Magazine in 2008 after realising that many of her friends were nervous about going racing due to lack of information – what to wear, how to bet etc.
She absolutely loves her job (how many people can say that?!) and is truly grateful to all supporters of and contributors to Eclipse Magazine.
If you are reading this she would like to say THANK YOU! (And please spread the word about Eclipse…!!)
