Geraldton Aquarena to trial ‘quiet hour’ as a low-sensory experience to increase inclusivity

Geraldton Aquarena will be trialling a “quiet hour” every week to provide a low-sensory experience in a bid to increase inclusivity at the facility for people with autism and other sensory processing conditions. The quiet hour will officially start next Thursday, April 27 and will run from 2.30pm-3.30pm. It provides an opportunity for people who find it challenging to come into the venue, which can sometimes be a overwhelming environment, with additional sessions being added depending on feedback. The idea behind the initiative sees an allocated timeslot set aside to implement low lighting, minimising noise and other elements that may be overstimulating to those with sensory issues. It will be joining Coles, Woolworths and Kmart which hold weekly low-sensory hours for customers by turning down the music, lowering the lighting, register and scanner volumes and have additional staff on the floor to lend a hand to customers. It has been a reported success, encouraging other facilities to do the same, with the Aquarena following suit. As part of the Aquarena’s quiet hour, changes to the facility during this time will include reduced lighting, music turned down or off, visible signage advising patrons of the program, the pool hoist ready and accessible as well as extra staff available to support the program. The Aquarena will remain open to the community during the quiet hour, however, pool users will be asked to respect the program and keep noise to a minimum. “Sometimes visiting a facility such as the Aquarena can be quite daunting for some, so we hope introducing one hour a week where we can offer an experience that is as low sensory as possible will help our facility be welcoming and accepting of all people,” Mayor Shane Van Styn said. “This initiative is just another way the Aquarena continues to support access and inclusion when it comes to promoting health and wellbeing, with the facility making specialised equipment available to the public such as a pool lift, hoists, aqua wheelchairs, shower commodes and swimming aids.”