Service SA to introduce quiet hour initiative

Friday, 29 November 2024

The State Government will trial a quiet hour initiative in Service SA centres, aiming to remove barriers experienced by Autistic people and autism communities when navigating government services.

Guided by the state’s first Autism Strategy and Workplace Charter, both launched earlier this year, the trial will run each Saturday for eight weeks at Marion, Modbury, Seaford Meadows, Elizabeth and Prospect Service SA centres between 4pm and 5pm.

During that hour, centres will dim the lights, mute loudspeaker announcements and turn off other unnecessary noises and restrict the centre’s capacity, creating a quieter and less stimulating environment.

Feedback provided to the Department for Infrastructure and Transport highlighted that Service SA centres during peak times can be loud and overwhelming environments for people with a sensory difference, turning them and their families or carers away from access to important services and supports.

By reducing anxiety and sensory stress, customers are given more opportunities to access education, training, employment and volunteering through services like licencing and proof of age cards.

Service SA staff have completed the State Government’s Office for Autism awareness training to build knowledge about autism and learn strategies to increase communication and social inclusion.

Driven by its goal of being a world leader in autism inclusion, the State Government is committed to improving the life outcomes of Autistic people and communities through whole-of-government initiatives that focus on knowledge and understanding, wellbeing, connection and belonging, and employment and opportunity.

The trial begins this Saturday, 30 November, with the intent to expand permanently across the five Service SA centres at the completion of the eight weeks if the trial is successful.