Access Ability Australia expands Access Keys provision

May 24, 2021

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.

13th May 2021 - WeFlex uses regular exercise to improve the length and quality of life for people with disabilities

29th April 2021 - EasyGate SPT ‘future-proofs’ Sydney’s new Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre

22nd April 2021 - Active Monash partnership delivers new sport and recreation program for young people living with a disability

25th March 2021 - Katoomba Sports and Aquatic Centre’s outdoor pools to be transformed into accessible facility

18th March 2021 - Hills Shire commits to providing more accessible playspaces

22nd February 2021 - Metra Australia shares details of Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre locker installation

20th January 2021 - Beach access improved at Mount Martha

3rd December 2020 - Newly released resource explores the accessibility of Western Australia’s national parks

3rd December 2020 - 2020 National Arts and Disability Awards celebrates outstanding achievement

7th September 2020 - Sunshine Coast community benefits from new initiative to improve beach accessibility

21st August 2020 - Sydney’s Gunyama Park Aquatic and Recreation Centre on target for end of year completion

2nd December 2019 - Warragamba All Abilities Playground opens

10th June 2019 - YMCA Victoria partners with Disability Sport & Recreation

16th May 2019 - Merlin Entertainments signs up to global disability campaign

24th August 2018 - All ability competitors join iFLY Australia Indoor Skydiving Championships

23rd April 2017 - Deakin University program helps children of all abilities be part of AFL Auskick

12th September 2014 - $2.5 million for first all abilities alpine accommodation at Falls Creek

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