Patron attending Elevate the Stage 2023, an event observing UN International Day of People With Disability.

ICC Sydney powers inclusion and belonging through Disability Inclusion Action Plan

02 Apr 2024

International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), managed by ASM Global, has strengthened its commitment to creating an inclusive and accessible venue with the launch of its inaugural Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) on World Autism Awareness Day.

In 2023, ICC Sydney was the first Australian convention centre to develop an Accessible and Inclusive Events Guide for event organisers and this next phase of work continues to build on the venue’s resources and plans to ensure it is readily accessible and welcoming to people with a disability.

New South Wales Parliamentary Secretary for Families and Communities, and Parliamentary Secretary for Disability Inclusion, Liesl Tesch supported the development of ICC Sydney’s first Disability Inclusion Action Plan, saying:

“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.”

Supported by a team committed to learning from the lived experiences of people with a disability, ICC Sydney CEO and Group Director – Convention Centres, ASM Global (APAC), Geoff Donaghy is thankful to community partner Get Skilled Access for providing in-depth consultation and guidance through the development of the venue’s first 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.

Consultant at Get Skilled Access, Bridie McKim said the venue’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan included initiatives that will support ICC Sydney’s event attendees and its workforce alike via 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.

Australia’s largest disability related event – Sydney Disability Connection Expo, Founder River Night said that with ICC Sydney’s best in class facilities and welcoming service, the Expo was ready to resume its place as the best attended and most inclusive event in Australia.

“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 acts as Australia’s roadmap for an accessible and inclusive society. ICC Sydney prepared its first Disability Inclusion Action Plan to align with the Commonwealth’s vision as stated within the Australian Disability Strategy to ensure that all people, including people with a disability, can participate equally in society.

ICC Sydney’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan covers four key pillars that were developed in consultation with Get Skilled Access through a lengthy discovery process, and includes outcomes across Culture, Built and Digital Environment, Employment, and Systems and Processes areas.

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