Leisurelink Aquatic and Recreation Centre is a more inclusive and accessible place for people seeking a quieter environment for swimming following the implementation of a sensory quiet time in the aquatics area each Sunday afternoon.
Seeking to assist members and patrons with sensory needs to feel more comfortable, the City has worked with Latrobe Community Health Service (LCHS) – a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) Partner in the Community – to deliver the space between 4:30pm and 5:45pm.
Features of the sensory quiet time include:
- no music played across the centre during this time
- public address announcements avoided
- hand dryers switched off
- phones turned down
- soothing music to start and end the session
- lights dimmed where possible and
- blinds utilised to reduce glare.
In addition, participants are encouraged to use membership cards for scanning, to avoid queueing.
Physical signage is present to alert the public as part of an educational promotion, along with the use of social media, website, and brochures to keep patrons informed.
Five accessible changerooms are available, two of which have adjustable tables, hoists and slings.
Mayor Trent Sullivan
I welcome the addition of the sensory quiet space, it's a positive step forward in making Greater Geelong a more inclusive place to live.
We know that all of the busyness and noise of a vibrant aquatic and recreation centre can be quite overwhelming for some people.
The City is delighted to offer a time and space to ensure the centre is suitable to visitors with additional sensory needs in what can be an active environment.
Councillor Sarah Hathway - chair of the Inclusion and Care portfolio
I'm excited that steps had been made to make Leisurelink even more accessible.
We're fortunate to have facilities like Leisurelink for residents to play, stay healthy and have the chance to learn some important swimming skills.
It's crucial that as a community we remove any barriers to people remaining energetic and engaged.
Tanika Hammond - NDIS Community Capacity Building Coordinator
LCHS is delighted with this initiative.
Accessible communities create inclusive societies, but it's up to all of us to be part of that change; moreover, given the amount of water in our region, it's vital that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy aquatic activities and learn to swim.
It's been a pleasure working side-by-side with the City to make this shared space even more accessible for people with unique sensory needs.
LCHS is on hand to help even more businesses, organisations and community members implement changes that can make a world of difference to employees and customers with disability.
