Gold Coast Airport (GCA) and Aspect Autism Friendly are creating a more accessible airport experience for people with disability.
Recently, GCA conducted an environmental assessment of its airport, focused on multiple disabilities, through a collaborative walkthrough with specialists from Aspect Autism Friendly. The team, joined by individuals with various abilities including a wheelchair user, people who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind and with low vision, navigated the airport, pinpointing key areas for potential accessibility improvements.
The findings of this assessment will be used in a comprehensive report that will recommend facility and process upgrades, aiming to enhance public accessibility. These insights have the potential to shape the Australian Airports Association Guidelines for Disabilities and Hidden Disabilities, setting a new benchmark for airports nationwide.
GCA has a history of taking steps to be more accessible, as it was the first Australian airport to launch the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, back in 2019.
Thoughts on accessibility
Brent Matthews, a Guide Dogs Queensland client who participated in the initial walkthrough, shared his insights on the experience.
“Navigating my way from entrance to gate and testing how easily or not I could access things like security, bathrooms and assistance from airport staff was eye-opening,” said Mr Matthews.
“It was clear that the team was genuinely interested in my feedback, asking thoughtful questions and demonstrating their understanding that vision is a spectrum. We can now work together to ensure the accessibility of all airport users, not just most of its users.”
Dr Tom Tutton, executive manager of Aspect Autism Friendly, said the project takes an innovative and holistic approach to inclusion.
“The collaboration between Gold Coast Airport and Aspect is setting new standards. Many organisations tend to address disabilities in isolation, often missing the overlap between them. What we’re doing here is pioneering a consolidated, collaborative approach that recognises and addresses those overlaps. We hope this will serve as a model for other airports and organisations moving forward,” he said.
Brian McGuckin, Queensland Airports Limited’s (QAL) chief property and planning officer and executive sponsor of QAL’s internal Accessibility Committee, said the assessment would improve the airport.
“Gold Coast Airport is focused on making its terminal and precinct welcoming and inclusive for people of all abilities. We are on a path of continual improvement, and Aspect’s multi-disability environmental assessment will help identify gaps and opportunities to upgrade our facilities. Ultimately, we want to empower and encourage everyone to travel,” he said.
Supported by research
A recent study, Autism and Airport Experiences by the Aspect Research Centre for Autism Practice (ARCAP) highlighted the positive impact of autism-friendly initiatives at Sydney and Gold Coast Airports. The research, which included feedback from Autistic adults and parents of Autistic children, showed how programs like the Hidden Disability Sunflower Program and designated sensory-friendly spaces help make air travel less overwhelming.
Participants said when airport staff recognised these accommodations, it made their experience far more comfortable and supportive. The study also highlighted some areas for improvement, such as the need for quiet zones with better signage and broader staff awareness of the Sunflower lanyard.
As Gold Coast Airport continues to expand its inclusivity efforts, Aspect Autism Friendly urges other airports and organisations to collaborate and embrace a holistic accessibility solution that can truly benefit all.