Adelaide Oval became a more inclusive space this week with the unveiling of a dedicated sensory space and a Changing Places toilet facility, making it possible for more fans with disability to attend their favourite events – just in time for the Adelaide Test which starts Friday.
The Oval received a State Government $37,729 AUTISM WORKS in the Community grant earlier this year to transform the sensory space and train staff in assisting fans.
As part of this grant program, all recipients were required to undertake autism inclusion training through the Office for Autism.
A further $130,000 in State Government funding was provided for a Changing Places facility, designed for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets.
Changing Places have more space and extra features, such as an adult-sized change table and hoist, to meet the needs of people with disability and their carers.
It will be South Australia’s newest Changing Places facility, joining 25 others a
t locations across the state, with more planned to open in the coming months and years.
Both new facilities are located next to the East Gate entrance on level one.
The new permanent Adelaide Oval sensory space is available for people of all ages who have sensory sensitivities or other hidden disabilities such as autism, anxiety, mental health conditions, dementia, visual impairment and deaf or hearing impaired.
The space has been designed to provide a calm and soothing environment and includes sensory activities and quiet zones which allow fans to reregulate and recharge away from the stimulation of the event.
For major events Adelaide Oval and Novita staff will be available at the permanent location and additional pop-up spaces, if needed, to support visitors.
The sensory space is a member of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program.
The space can be found by following the sunflower floor decals on the stadium floor which lead you to the room, or you can look out for the sunflower team who can escort you to the space.
Adelaide Oval CEO Nick Addison said that the stadium was “a place for everyone”.
“And for that to remain true we need to continually reinvest in making this venue as accessible, welcoming and inclusive as possible” Mr Addison said.
“Importantly, that means investing not just in our facilities but in our people.
“Specialised training and upskilling means that our team is prepared to welcome diverse guests and ensure these spaces are available to all those who need them.
"The support of the State Government has been integral to this project – not just the grant funding we have received but the passion, expertise and partnerships they have shared.”
Autism is a neurological developmental difference that impacts the way a person sees, experiences, understands and responds to the world.
More than 200,000 Australians are Autistic, and one in four Australians has an autistic family member.
Autism is the largest primary disability group in the NDIS, and South Australia consistently sits above the national average, with around 41 per cent of South Australian NDIS participants being Autistic.
