Managers of one of Australia’s most recognisable convention
centres have taken steps to make the venue a more friendly place for people with
disabilities.
Those who work behind the scenes at the International
Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) have produced a Disability Inclusion
Action Plan (DIAP).
Launched to coincide with World Autism Day, the plan covers
four main areas: Culture, Built and Digital Environment, Employment, and
Systems and Processes areas.
These ‘pillars’ were developed with Get Skilled Access, a
consultancy firm staffed by people who either have a disability or have worked
closely with people with disabilities.
NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Families and Communities,
and Parliamentary Secretary for Disability Inclusion, Liesl Tesch, said it was ‘pleasing’
to see the venue focus on delivering ‘fairer, safer and more inclusive spaces
for the people that pass through its doors’.
She added: “It’s a positive step forward for the millions of
people visiting ICC Sydney from across the state, across Australia. and beyond
our borders. One in five Australians experience disability. These action plans
help to provide opportunities for full participation in the community, in our
economy, and engagement with world-class facilities such as ICC Sydney.”
ICC Sydney CEO, Geoff Donaghy, said: “Together with Get Skilled Access, we
undertook consultation with our team to more deeply understand where our
strengths are and where there is opportunity to improve the overall
accessibility of our venue services – from content presented across our digital
channels to implementing training for our team to best support people with
hidden disabilities, our new Disability Inclusion Action Plan is a blueprint
for enhancing our services so that every visitor feels a sense of belonging and
inclusion.”
Consultant at Get Skilled Access, Bridie McKim, said: “During
our discovery phase, we identified that ICC Sydney has much to be proud of and
we look forward to supporting their team to foster an even more welcoming and
inclusive culture that reflects the rich tapestry of our society and celebrates
diversity.”
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
