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Making a Difference: ICC Sydney Advances Inclusive Experiences with New Visual Stories and Sensory Maps

31 Mar 2026

International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), managed by Legends Global, has introduced new visual stories and sensory maps within the ICC Sydney and TikTok Entertainment Centre websites, reinforcing its commitment to creating welcoming, inclusive and accessible environments for visitors to the venue.  

The launch coincides with World Autism Understanding Month which begins on 2 April, a global moment dedicated to celebrating neurodiversity and encouraging practical steps that support a more inclusive society. ICC Sydney’s new accessibility tools directly align with these goals by providing meaningful, user‑centred resources that enhance comfort, confidence and independence for neurodiverse visitors. 

Developed as part of ICC Sydney’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan commitments, the visual stories and sensory maps were guided and reviewed by Aspect (Autism Spectrum Australia)’s Autism Friendly Team and offer clear, practical information to help visitors prepare for their experience at the convention, exhibition and entertainment venue. Visual stories outline what guests can expect when arriving and navigating ICC Sydney’s three buildings, while sensory maps identify areas of higher and lower sensory input, empowering visitors to plan their visit in a way that best suits their needs. 

Tom Tutton, Head of Aspect Autism Friendly said: “ICC Sydney is an iconic set of venues that are used frequently by Autistic people – including members of our own Autism Friendly team. Aspect Autism Friendly is proud to partner with ICC Sydney to develop practical information that helps visitors better prepare for their experience. Tools such as visual stories and sensory maps play an important role in increasing predictability and reducing anxiety, empowering people to engage with confidence. ICC Sydney’s commitment to supporting neurodivergent visitors reflects exactly what we are encouraging and celebrating this World Autism Understanding Month – moving from awareness into meaningful action.”

Adam Mather-Brown, Chief Executive Officer, ICC Sydney said: “At ICC Sydney, we believe that every person should feel welcome when they arrive through our doors. Launching our visual stories and sensory maps reinforces our commitment to moving beyond awareness toward genuine understanding and inclusion. These tools are designed to empower our visitors to engage with our venue in a way that feels comfortable and accessible. This is an important step in ensuring ICC Sydney continues to be a place where everyone can participate and thrive at events.”

Luke Fleming, Chief People Officer, ICC Sydney said: “Our people are at the heart of creating an inclusive experience, and these new resources give both our team and our visitors the confidence to navigate the venue with ease. The introduction of our Diversity Champions, alongside the significant training our team has undertaken, reflects our commitment to building a culture where accessibility and understanding are embedded in our culture. By aligning this launch with World Autism Understanding Month, we are proud to contribute to a broader movement that celebrates neurodiversity and supports meaningful inclusion.” 

To celebrate diversity, ICC Sydney convenes four employee resource groups with the support of the business including Able@Work, The Same Same Collective, Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group and Parents and Carers. To further strengthen its accessibility offering, ICC Sydney has introduced Diversity Champions – a dedicated group of trained team members who act as central points of contact for visitors and team members with diverse needs. Diversity Champions have undergone specialised training to deepen their understanding of accessibility features, inclusive service delivery and the needs of neurodiverse and disabled visitors across all three ICC Sydney buildings. 

This initiative builds on ICC Sydney’s ongoing investment in inclusion training. 

Last financial year: 

  • 39 team members completed the Sunflower Program supporting people with hidden disabilities.
  • 21 trained Mental Health First Aiders across the business.
  • 35 team members completed Ally for Change workplace inclusion training.
  • 154 team members completed online Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Awareness training.

The new tools are designed to support people with sensory sensitivities, and anyone who benefits from additional pre‑visit information. They also provide valuable resources for carers, families, event organisers and educators seeking to create more inclusive experiences.

The visual stories and sensory maps are now available on the ICC Sydney and TikTok Entertainment Centre websites. Discover ICC Sydney’s Accessibility resources for visitors here: Accessibility | Venue Information | ICC Sydney.  To learn more about ICC Sydney, visit www.iccsydney.com.au and join the conversation on LinkedInFacebookInstagram or X.