The National Assembly for Wales’s estate has been awarded the National Autistic Society’s Access Award for the second year. The Award is a best practice standard for buildings and facilities, designed to provide assurance to people with autism and their families and carers. It demonstrates that the facilities are autism-friendly, and that there is a commitment to making sure people with autism can access them.
“This is yet another acknowledgement that the National Assembly takes the issue of equality of access very seriously,” said Presiding Officer, Dame Rosemary Butler AM.
“For democracy to truly work in Wales, its law-making institution must engage with everyone in Wales, and that means ensuring that our facilities, services and information are accessible to all.”
Sandy Mewies AM, the Assembly Commissioner with responsibility for equalities issues, added:
“The Autism Access Award demonstrates that the Assembly is committed to being an accessible venue for visitors who are on the autism spectrum.”
Below are some of the things the Assembly did in order to achieve the accreditation:
- Created a section on our website dedicated to visitors with autism. The section provides information links to specifically designed resources in different formats;
- Established designated quiet areas for people with autism to rest and de-stress;
- Ensured relevant staff received disability confidence training, which includes a section on autism;
- Identified Autism Champions from across the organisation;
- Established links with National Autistic Society;
- Created a feedback form, to enable continual feedback from visitors with autism.
Planning to visit the Assembly? Check out our website or contact us by phone, on 0300 200 6565, or email us at mailto:contact@assembly.wales.
Assembly Blog 
Great article!