Everyone will be able to enjoy the Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre (GRAC) in Traralgon, regardless of ability or language, with the introduction of an Access Key.
Latrobe City Council will deliver the Access Key, which is a customised accessibility guide that provides information about accessing GRAC programs and facilities.
It has been designed to assist people living with a disability and their friends, families and carers to enjoy the facility and all its inclusive features.
The Access Key will include navigational information such as how to get there, public transport and parking options, as well as access into and around GRAC, reception and services.
There will also be information about how to identify staff, toilet location, features, layout, food and beverage options, programming and other offerings.
The Access Key will contain photos, maps, a communication board and a sensory guide, and will outline the accessibility and safety features of the whole facility.
“GRAC’s Access Key will showcase the facility’s offerings and provide improved visitor information, benefiting not only people with a disability but the wider community – local and those visiting from afar,” Latrobe City Council Mayor Kellie O’Callaghan said.
“It will promote GRAC as a warm and welcoming venue for people of all abilities and provide information to help users determine whether the venue suits their needs before they attend.
“The key also reduces anxiety as people will know exactly what to expect before visiting, which is especially beneficial for people with autism or other sensory impairments.”
The Access Key will be available on the Latrobe City Council, GRAC and Access Ability Australia websites.
For people who are blind or live with low vision, the Access Key will be available for free download in large print and formatted for use with assistive technology online: https://accessabilityaustralia.com/access-keys-2/
GRAC will also have ‘Social Stories’ that provide an explanation of a social situation, which will include professional photographs and descriptive and co-operative sentences in a PDF form.
These will be available online at https://accessabilityaustralia.com/social-stories-library-page/ so that people can access them before they visit GRAC.
The Access Key and Social Story have been developed with the help of Access Ability Australia.
