South Australian supermarket giant Drakes has partnered with Autism SA to deliver new 'Quiet Time' sensory friendly shopping hours at both the Golden Grove and Hallett Cove stores.
The trial listens to the calls of the autistic and autism communities about the importance of sensory inclusive shopping experiences, but most importantly for them to occur at times when working adults and families can attend.
Currently, most inclusive shopping hours occur in the middle of the day, Drakes are instead beginning the inclusive hours every Tuesday night at the two stores from 6pm-9pm, extending the normal hours of trade by an extra hour.
Staff at both stores have participated in Autism SA's inclusion training and each store will become a more sensory inclusive environment during the 'Quiet Time' hours with dim lights, less sounds and increased signage in stores.
Access to spaces such as supermarkets was continually raised by the autistic and autism communities during the 12-week consultation period on the Malinauskas Labor Government's first Autism Strategy.
Drakes joins the growing list of private industries, including the Adelaide 36rs and the Adelaide Zoo, in making their services more inclusive for the autistic and autism communities.
Background
Autism is a neurological difference in the way that individuals experience and respond to the world around them. There is not one singular way that Autistic people* experience the world. That's why the term 'spectrum' is often used – to reflect the fact that every individual's lived experience of autism is different.
Over 200,000 Australians are Autistic. 1 in 4 Australians has an autistic family member. Autism is also the largest primary disability group in the NDIS, and South Australia sits above the national average, with 40% of South Australian NDIS participants having autism.
Currently, Autistic people are half as likely to complete year 10 than the general population, and three times more likely to be unemployed than other people with disabilities.
Quotes
Attributable to Emily Bourke
I'm delighted that Drakes has come on board and is trialling these important sensory sessions in their stores – and at times that are more inclusive for working individuals and families.
It means that members of the Autistic and autism community and their families can do their weekly shopping with the confidence of knowing that staff are trained in autism inclusion and the built environment will be more sensory friendly.
For many, a job in the retail industry is their first entrance into the workforce. Having Autism inclusion training available to staff to help build knowledge will not only help autistic customers, it will equip staff with the inclusive practices that will extend beyond their jobs and into their everyday lives.
It is wonderful to see private industries, like Drakes, following the lead of the Malinauskas Labor Government in our commitment to supporting South Australia's autistic and autism communities.
Quote attributable to John-Paul Drake, Director, Drakes
Our team are excited to be trialling a sensory inclusive shopping experience in our stores, offering an even friendlier environment for our customers and the communities we live in.
Attributable to Helen Graham, CEO Autism SA
We're delighted to partner with Drakes to deliver 'Quiet Time'. Drakes has a long-standing reputation of supporting the South Australian community and this is just another way they are delivering for our state. We hope to see more businesses come forward to introduce inclusive practices.
*This document uses identity-first language throughout. We recognise there are people in the autistic community who prefer person-first language, people who prefer identity-first language and people who use the terms interchangeably.
