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Together, we can create a better Australia.
An autism-friendly Australia.
And one that embraces inclusion for all types of disabilities.
Aspect Autism Friendly
At Aspect we believe we can be more inclusive of all disabilities simply by becoming more aware of the different and diverse ways each of us engages with our world. This understanding allows us to make small adjustments that recognise, and are inclusive of, those differences.
For Autistic individuals, accessing the community, attending special events and even performing necessary daily tasks can be extremely challenging. But we can help make the world better suited for those on the autism spectrum. First, with a greater awareness of neurodiversity. And second by making a few simple changes or providing additional resources.
These small changes can help create a far more inclusive environment for those who need it.
What does it feel like to be overwhelmed by your environment?
How we support diversity inclusion
Aspect’s autism-friendly team are dedicated to partnering with organisations to create environments which genuinely support and include Autistic people.Partnering with you to create an autism-friendly event. Developing individualised supports or resources to improve your business practices. Providing autism awareness training for staff. Or simply giving you a few helpful tips to get you started. Whatever you need, our team are here to help you create a more inclusive environment.
Embracing the autistic perspective
We believe that understanding an event or business from an autistic perspective is critical to creating a truly inclusive environment. That is why our autism-friendly team includes Autistic people.
These individuals provide unmatched input at all stages of the design, development and implementation of services and program. They ensure you can better embrace real disability inclusion for your event or business.
Our disability inclusion activities
Autism Friendly and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
Living with a hidden disability, like autism, can make accessing the community more challenging for people. And hidden disabilities can be difficult for others to recognise, which is often the biggest barrier for people accessing additional support and understanding.
Wearing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard discreetly indicates to others that the wearer (or support person with them) has a hidden disability. It lets them know that they may need additional help or simply more time. And it lets others create a better world of inclusion with disabilities.
Autism Friendly Event Calendar
From art galleries to aquariums, find out more about autism-friendly events happening near you! If you have an autism-friendly event or special access session you wish to add to our calendar, please email autismfriendly@autismspectrum.org.au with the details and we’ll add it to the calendar.
Autism Alert Card
Our Aspect team created the Autism Alert Card. It’s designed to assist Autistic individuals to communicate their need for support, particularly in situations that may be challenging. We’re proud to offer these cards free to people on the autism spectrum.*
The Autism Alert Card is an Autistic led initiative.
How Aspect can help you better embrace diversity inclusion
Environmental Assessment
Aspect has a team of Autistic consultants who are paid to help with all elements of our consultations. This includes environmental assessment, staff training and more.
We develop an environmental assessment report based on the feedback of our Autistic consultants. This is then used to design custom resources and modifications unique to your business or event.
Resource development/review
There are a wide range of resources that can be developed and implemented to support the inclusion of Autistic people in various environments. These resources can include:
- Visual stories
- Sensory maps
- Inclusion checklists
- Best practice guidelines
- Visual communication supports
Customised Staff Training
One of the main barriers to inclusion at events and within environments is that Autistic people are often not understood, or made to feel like they are welcome. This is often simply because the staff just don’t understand how to support someone on the autism spectrum.
Staff training is a key component of any autism-friendly environment. Our team offers autism-friendly staff training customised to your business, service or event. All training is co-delivered with Autistic presenters who share their own relatable examples.
This helps your staff to contextualise what they are learning. And it provides an opportunity to answer any questions your staff may have about autism or inclusive initiatives.
Our staff training includes an introduction to autism, and practical strategies. This allows your staff to more effectively interact with, and support, Autistic individuals who access your business or event.
Evaluation
Stakeholder feedback is important. It indicates where your services are getting it right and where there may be room for development. As part of our autism-friendly consultancy, we can provide support in inviting and acting on feedback, to evaluate the effectiveness of inclusive initiatives.
Promotion of disability inclusion initiatives
Creating an inclusive environment is undoubtedly a good news story. And we would love to spread the word!
Aspect can promote your initiatives through our social media platforms, our Autism-Friendly Event Calendar and newsletters to our community. We can also engage with traditional media outlets to coordinate coverage. And we will support you to design genuinely inclusive promotions of your services that will engage the autistic community.
Costs
While we can be flexible to support your goals and budget, we do charge to be able to provide our services. To find out more, fill out the form below. We’ll get in contact to talk about what you are after, and how we can support you!
How can I access an Autism Friendly Consultation?
Case Studies
In 2018, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) worked with Autism Spectrum Australia (ASPECT) on their biennale exhibition. With just a few small changes they created an autism-friendly gallery experience the whole family could enjoy.
