Australia’s leading Holiday Park network BIG4 has teamed up with Amaze, a leading body for autism, to increase the accessibility and inclusion of autistic people and their families. BIG4 will be the first holiday park in Australia to introduce a social script, launching on November 8, 2019.
This new initiative will provide autistic people with essential tools to plan a holiday and feel confident that BIG4 is inclusive and dedicated to removing barriers.
A social script uses storytelling techniques to explain the experience and environment to the families with simple language and images. This includes illustrated information about what an autistic person can expect when visiting the venue, such as how they’ll get there, what it will look like, who will engage with them and what they can do if they feel overwhelmed.
Emma Watkins, also known as the Yellow Wiggle, will be in attendance to support the launch of this valuable initiative. Emma is a proud advocate and supporter of children with additional needs – holding a strong passion towards helping deaf and hard of hearing children learn with technology, reading and sign language.
Social scripts have become increasingly common, featuring in places such as the NGV, St Vincent’s Hospital, Museums Victoria, schools and more.
BIG4 started a movement in this area and ventured where no other Australian holiday park has gone before when several parks created sensory rooms at some of its locations, specifically dedicated to autistic guests of all ages.
BIG4’s CEO Steven Wright says the Amaze campaign is especially close to his heart. Wright says “BIG4’s collaboration with Amaze is about creating a more inclusive future for family holidays and travel. BIG4 is taking a leading role in this important area, and we are dedicated to removing the barriers that autistic children and their families are exposed to. We would encourage other companies that engage with children to also look at how they can make their experience more inclusive.”
Amaze CEO Fiona Sharkie says, “Everyone deserves to be able to take a holiday – but Amazeresearch has found 40% of autistic people sometimes feel unable to leave their home because of judgement from others and a lack of support or adjustment to their needs.”
“Through the simple act of offering guests and visitors a social script, BIG4 is showing the community that BIG4 Holiday Parks are a safe and welcoming space for autistic people. For families who have experienced high levels of isolation and discrimination, this is a really meaningful step toward acceptance and inclusion,” Ms. Sharkie added.
.jpg){kind=tracking}