AusLeisure

Aiming to ensuring that all Australian - regardless of ability - can participate in and contribute to community life with independence, equity and dignity, Access Ability Australia has announced the expansion of its Access Keys initiative.

Uniquely customised to each individual venue or event, providing visitors with improved access information, Access Keys are designed to help people plan their visit to facilities, venues and location and to feel comfortable, confident and at ease when visiting.

Access Keys include professional photographs, supportive text, maps, visual communication boards as well as key sensory information (such what sounds can be expected during a visit).

Supportive text t may include the most convenient parking information, access points with ease of movement throughout, venue layout, amenities and toilets; including full environmental specifications, identification of staff, programming, services on offer as well as a comprehensive list of accessibility features.

Access Keys are available in a full colour PDF as well as large print Word Documents which are formatted for use with assistive technology. Access Keys are free to download from the website of Access Ability Australia, can be viewed or printed and are also remote responsive.

The City of Sydney’s recently opened Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre is very first aquatic facility to be recognised with a AAA Access Key while in the coming months resources for venues including the Broadmeadows Aquatic and Leisure Centre, Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre and the Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre in Bendigo will be published.

Updated Access Keys for the Knox Leisureworks and Mill Park Leisure Centre are set to follow.

Venues and events showcased in Access Keys include libraries, parks and gardens, tourist attractions, sporting and recreational facilities, art and cultural venues including theatres, major events, neighbourhood houses, farms, children and family centres and health/medical clinics.

Every Access Key includes implementation guidelines and full endorsement from a practising Speech Pathologist and an Occupational Therapist.

They are universally designed to ensure support to a broad application of people making them a wonderful tool to foster independence, increase confidence and lessen anxiety.

Access Keys were the winners of Victoria’s the 2020 Disability Sport and Recreation Initiative of the Year award.

For more information go to the Access Ability Australia website at www.accessabilityaustralia.com/

All abilities access at the Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre was a feature in Australasian Leisure Management issue 143.

Image: The access ramp in the 50 metre pool at the Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre (top) and the soon-to-be-released Access Ability Australia App.

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