ICC Sydney worked with Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia) to develop the space, which has also been accredited by the organisation.
Located in the convention centre section of ICC Sydney, the design of the Quiet Room to provide a low stimulus environment included consideration of elements like the colour of the walls and carpet, the lighting and the textures used within the space, including the furniture.
“ICC Sydney welcomes millions of visitors each year, and we want every one of them to feel supported, safe and comfortable,” said ICC Sydney CEO, Adam Mather-Brown.
“The Quiet Room is a meaningful addition to our accessibility offering and demonstrates our commitment to providing dedicated spaces that meet the diverse needs of our community.
“Whether someone needs a moment to decompress, regulate or simply take a breath, this room ensures they can do so with dignity and ease.”
The new space has already been used by participants in the AI in the NDIS Summit held at ICC Sydney last week.
“ICC Sydney’s new permanent Quiet Room is an important step towards making large-scale events more accessible and welcoming for people with disability,” said Michaela Banks, group executive manager of Disability Sector Australia, which organised the summit for the NDIS sector.
“For our Tibii Disability Support Services Forum, knowing there is a dedicated calm, sensory-friendly space available helps our delegates feel supported and able to participate more fully in the day.
“We value ICC Sydney’s commitment to inclusion and are proud to partner with a venue that places guest wellbeing at the centre of its design.”
The new permanent Quiet Room is in addition to mobile quiet spaces the convention centre provides, which can be placed throughout the venue at a client’s request and tailored to their audience. Aspect has also advised on the design of these spaces.
“The new Quiet Room is just one of a suite of supports developed in partnership with Aspect, including a Visual Story and Sensory Map, that support neurodivergent people to attend events, conferences and exhibitions at this amazing venue,” said Aspect’s head of Autism Friendly, Tom Tutton.
“The room is designed to best practice standards and should give people more confidence to attend and stay longer at ICC Sydney.
“Through Aspect’s Autism Friendly Accreditation Program, ICC Sydney’s accredited Quiet Room will undergo ongoing review and management, informed by the lived experience of autistic people, ensuring it continues to meet best practice standards over time.
“Quiet Rooms are becoming an expectation across large venues, and we applaud ICC Sydney for its continuing leadership.”
