ICC Sydney leads the way launches Inaugural Disability Inclusion Action Plan on World Autism Awareness Day

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

The International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), under the management of ASM Global, has reinforced its dedication to fostering inclusivity and accessibility by introducing its inaugural Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) on World Autism Awareness Day.

In 2023, ICC Sydney took the pioneering step of creating an Accessible and Inclusive Events Guide for event organizers, making it the first Australian convention center to do so. This latest initiative builds upon the venue’s existing resources and strategies, aiming to ensure seamless accessibility and a warm welcome for individuals with disabilities.

A patron attending Elevate the Stage 2023, an event marking the UN International Day of People With Disability, experienced firsthand the venue’s commitment to inclusivity.

Liesl Tesch, the Parliamentary Secretary for Families and Communities, as well as the Parliamentary Secretary for Disability Inclusion in New South Wales, extended her support for the development of ICC Sydney’s inaugural Disability Inclusion Action Plan.

“It is pleasing to see premier venues such as ICC Sydney placing a real focus on delivering fairer, safer and more inclusive spaces for the people that pass through its doors every year. It’s a positive step forward for the millions of people visiting ICC Sydney from across the state, right across Australia and beyond our borders.

“Around one in five Australians experience disability. These action plans help to provide opportunities for full participation in the community, in our economy, and engagement with world-class facilities such as ICC Sydney.” 

With the dedicated support of a team devoted to understanding the perspectives of individuals with disabilities, Geoff Donaghy, CEO and Group Director – Convention Centres, ASM Global (APAC), expresses gratitude to community partner Get Skilled Access. Their thorough consultation and guidance have been instrumental in crafting ICC Sydney’s inaugural Disability Inclusion Action Plan.

“Our mission at ICC Sydney is to make a difference for greater Sydney and for New South Wales residents, visitors and businesses and this means ensuring our services are as welcoming, inclusive and accessible as possible for everyone that arrives through our doors.  

“Together with Get Skilled Access, we undertook consultation with our team to more deeply understand where our strengths are and where there is opportunity to improve the overall accessibility of our venue services – from content presented across our digital channels to implementing training for our team to best support people with hidden disabilities, our new Disability Inclusion Action Plan is a blueprint for enhancing our services so that every visitor feels a sense of belonging and inclusion. 

“In step with attendee expectations for accessible events outlined in our RESPECT: Shaping Events for Success report, we are cognisant of ensuring that every aspect of our visitors’ journey is considered, and appropriate adjustments are made to remove any barriers to a positive experience,” Mr Donaghy said.

Bridie McKim, a consultant at Get Skilled Access, emphasized that ICC Sydney’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan encompasses initiatives aimed at supporting both event attendees and the venue’s workforce through their new commitments.

“At Get Skilled Access we applaud ICC Sydney for challenging biases and perceptions to create an inclusive environment through their first Disability Inclusion Action Plan.  

“During our discovery phase, we identified that ICC Sydney has much to be proud of and we look forward to supporting their team to foster an even more welcoming and inclusive culture that reflects the rich tapestry of our society and celebrates diversity,” Ms McKim said.

River Night, the Founder of the Sydney Disability Connection Expo, expressed that with ICC Sydney’s top-notch facilities and hospitable service, the Expo is poised to reclaim its title as Australia’s premier and most inclusive event for individuals with disabilities.

“ICC Sydney’s commitment to inclusion is exemplary and it is gratifying to see they have a formal Disability Inclusion Action Plan in place to guide their world class practices. From accessible and inclusive event management services to logistics and exhibitor services, we commend the venue team for their outstanding contribution to the successful planning of Sydney Disability Connection Expo. We look forward to providing an unparalleled platform for visitors to engage with disability service providers at this exceptional venue,” Mr Night said.  

The Australian Disability Strategy 2021-2031 serves as Australia’s blueprint for fostering an accessible and inclusive society. In line with this national vision, ICC Sydney has formulated its inaugural Disability Inclusion Action Plan. This plan is designed to uphold the principles outlined in the Australian Disability Strategy, ensuring equitable participation for all individuals, including those with disabilities, in society.

ICC Sydney’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan encompasses four primary pillars, meticulously crafted in collaboration with Get Skilled Access through an extensive discovery phase. These pillars encompass initiatives across Culture, Built and Digital Environment, Employment, and Systems and Processes domains, aiming to promote comprehensive inclusion and accessibility.

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