Your guide to some local autism-inclusive venues in Adelaide and Perth and how to find other accessible venues and services with Autism Friendly.
Finding somewhere to eat or shop shouldn’t require a lot of effort, but finding somewhere to spend time with family or friends can be challenging for someone with autism. More planning and preparation are needed to ensure a venue has supportive and trained staff and a sensory-friendly environment.
The team at KompleteCare have taken some of the guesswork out for you and compiled a guide to some local autism-inclusive venues in Adelaide and Perth and how you can easily access a range of inclusive businesses on your smartphone!
What common key factors help make a venue accessible and autism inclusive?
Many people on the autism spectrum experience sensory sensitivity, meaning things like light, noise, smells, textures, and tastes may be overwhelming or overstimulating. For them, large crowds, harsh lights, overwhelming smells, and loud noise can all create an uncomfortable sensory experience. Autism SA explains that a venue can be more inclusive and comfortable for everyone by simply adjusting these stimuli to be more suited to those with sensory sensitivities.
Adjustment recommendations from Autism SA include:
- A low level or no background noise or music
- Natural lighting or low lighting
- A low density of people
- Flexible booking options
- A private space
- Conducting an access and inclusion audit
- Sensory-inclusive menus
- Hosting an autism-friendly event
- Creating an access guide
- Training employees in autism awareness
Some autism-inclusive venues in Adelaide and Perth
Autism-inclusive venues in Adelaide:
South Australian Museum: Marked an autism-friendly venue by Autism SA in 2018, the South Australian Museum offers a range of sensory-friendly programs and events held outside of regular hours. This allows those with sensory or access requirements to visit without crowds and with reduced sound and light. They also offer sensory backpacks at no cost to loan, containing a pair of noise-cancelling headphones, a soft toy, and communication cards.
South Australian Maritime Museum: The Museum offers Autism-Friendly Sensory Sessions, during which the museum is open later on Saturday or earlier on Sunday so those with autism can experience a more relaxed visit. The lights are dimmed, and the volume is reduced to create a more sensory-inclusive environment.
Adelaide Oval: As part of an ‘AUTISM WORKS in the Community’ grant from the South Australian Government, Adelaide Oval has introduced a Changing Places facility, autism inclusion training for staff and a dedicated permanent sensory space. The sensory space provided a calm environment away from all the action, where those with sensory sensitivities can regulate and recharge away from main events. Adelaide Oval and Novita staff are available in the sensory space at most significant events, and the space can be found by following the Hidden Disabilities sunflower decals on the stadium floor, or a sunflower team member can escort you.
Urth Clay Studio: Create your own pottery art in a supportive environment at one of Urth Clay Studio’s personalised pottery sessions. The studio selects an experienced support artist to cater to individual needs and can also provide unique pottery wheels and tools for those with physical challenges.
Autism-inclusive venues in Perth:
Rocky Bay Sensory Rooms: Designed to increase sensory stimulation, Rocky Bay Sensory Rooms enable those with disabilities to interact and explore the environment in a calm, safe space. Staff collaborate with visitors to understand individual sensory requirements and preferences to provide personalised strategies and activities. Some fun equipment at Rocky Bay includes a bubble tube, vibro acoustic bean bag, solar projector and a fan light.
Hoyts Cinema: Most Hoyts cinemas across the Perth region offer sensory screenings once per month on a Saturday. During these screenings, the lights are dimmed, the volume is lowered, and the cinema doors are opened early so guests have extra time to adjust to the environment and get comfortable.
How do I know if autism-inclusive venues in Adelaide and Perth are accessible and cater to my needs?
One way you can check if a venue or activity is committed to being autism inclusive is if they’re part of the Autism Friendly Charter. Autism Friendly is an Autism SA initiative designed to support Australian businesses and organisations become more inclusive. They provide free online training and resources to help companies and organisations understand autism and show how small changes can help build a more inclusive and accessible environment for those on the spectrum.
It’s not as easy as just signing up, though. Businesses and organisations that join the Charter must have 75% of their workforce trained in autism awareness, inclusive communication, reasonable adjustments, and an autism-friendly and supportive environment. These businesses are committed to upholding the Autism Friendly Charter Principles, so you can be sure they’re genuinely trying to cater to you or your loved ones’ needs.
Are there any quick and easy ways I can find autism-inclusive venues in Adelaide and Perth?
Once businesses and organisations have officially joined the Charter, they are listed on an Autism Friendly Charter directory, which can be used to search for inclusive services and supports. Through the directory, you can search based on what industry you’re looking for, the distance radius, and location (whether your current location or a specific location you’re looking for). Listings on the directory provide all the information you need to choose autism-friendly businesses and service providers, including autism-aware trained staff, designated quiet times, calm spaces and more.
While it is an initiative by Autism SA, the directory isn’t limited to autism-inclusive venues in Adelaide and South Australia only; you can use it to find places to eat and drink, recreation facilities, or retail spaces committed to inclusion anywhere in Australia.
You can access this on the Autism Friendly Charter website or download the Autism Friendly app available to Android and iOS users, and have the directory ready to search straight from your smartphone.
How KompleteCare can help you
Building friendships and connections and participating in social and community activities are crucial to living a happy and fulfilled life. Meeting new people and engaging in social activities can be challenging for those with autism. Our dedicated Home Support Workers at KompleteCare provide a range of supports for those with disabilities, including social support. From having a chat and enjoying genuine companionship to support in engaging activities and community involvement, our Home Support Workers can help you live a fulfilling life. Learn more about our social support services here and enquire online or call (08) 8265 5696.
If you’re passionate about caring for others and are interested in joining the KompleteCare family, apply to join our team of dedicated Home Support Workers.
