36ers thrilled to support Autism Works campaign

As part of the Adelaide 36ers’ unwavering focus of inclusion, engagement and opportunities for all, the club is thrilled to partner with the South Australian Government, Department of Premier and Cabinet’s Office for Autism, who have just launched their Autism Works campaign this week.

Autism Works is a public education campaign that champions autism inclusion in the South Australian workforce and is an essential part of the State Government’s commitment to enhancing engagement and action for the benefit of Autistic people and their families.

At the start of last season, the Adelaide 36ers with the support of Made a Difference Foundation created a dedicated Sensory Room at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre for all 36ers home games, which was a first for sporting events in South Australia and continues to operate, thanks to further funding from the South Australian Government, this season.

The Sensory Room, which was introduced to a sporting stadium for the first time in South Australia, is a designated space for fans who are sensitive to noises, smells, lights and crowds and can be overwhelmed by such sensory impacts. 

One of South Australia’s largest disability service providers Novita assisted with the planning and layout of the space.

Novita clinicians were involved in selecting the furniture and other items for the Sensory Room, which were sourced through Novita’s assistive technology business unit NovitaTech.

This season, the Adelaide 36ers with the support of the Office for Autism have signed up to and will be rolling out the hidden disabilities sunflower scheme. The scheme enables fans to choose to wear a sunflower lanyard if they want to signal that their hidden disability means that they may need more support to access the sensory space.

Assistant Minister to Premier and Assistant Minister for Autism Emily Bourke said the Adelaide 36ers Sensory Room and participation in the hidden disabilities sunflower scheme were important steps in making events more inclusive for autistic individuals and families to attend and enjoy.

“Families and members of the autistic and autism communities have told me time and time again about the difficulties of attending large sporting events,” Assistant Minister Bourke said.

“These initiatives build knowledge about how we can create a more inclusive state.”

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Community perceptions or lack of understanding has meant Autistic individuals face barriers in establishing a career or in some cases, simply gaining employment. The Autism Works campaign tackles these perceptions and lack of understanding.

The Autism Works campaign features real stories from five Autistic South Australians who provide insight into the challenges Autistic people face and their observations of how they are perceived in the community.

The Adelaide 36ers Sensory Room still has availability across the NBL24 season, so be sure to contact the team on admin@adelaide36ers.com for more information or to make a booking.

For more information on the Autism Works campaign click HERE, and for details regarding access to the Adelaide 36ers Sensory Room, click HERE.