Posted on
A big thank you to all at Sovereign Hill, near Ballarat, for ensuring that people on the autism spectrum are welcomed through their special ASD-friendly day, this Saturday.
Sovereign Hill has put in place a range of processes and procedures to ensure a comfortable and fun day for everyone – see below for details – and on Saturday 28 March they are offering a 10% discount to families for their ASD-friendly day.
Download the Autism-Awareness Day brochure and map.
Social Scripts available on the website: Sovereign Hill’s Social Scripts which have been developed to assist people on the Autism Spectrum to become familiar and comfortable with Sovereign Hill before they visit.
Meet & Greet: Sovereign Hill offers families with a person on the spectrum to come in via a special gate to avoid crowds, and to receive a wrist band to help staff identify those who may need assistance. There are also special times to meet some of the characters and visit the mine.
Loud Noises: there are quite a few loud noises at Sovereign Hill and if these are a problem, you will find a listing of times and places on the Sovereign Hill website so that you can avoid them and/or be ready for them.
Special Advice: visitors are welcome to bring their own torches for use during mine tours.
Lost parents: if parents get lost, children should tell a costumed member of staff straight away. Staff will assist lost parents by getting them to the Post Office where they will be reunited with their children.
Coach rides: coach rides cannot stop during the trip so it’s a good idea to watch the coach do a few laps first to see if it is something you would like to do.
Quiet Places: there are several areas available to escape to if things get too much.
Group photographs are available at the Red Hill Photographic Rooms. Book a sitting early in the day and on mentioning the Autism-Awareness Day you will receive a 20% discount. Dressing up for photos is optional.
Full details on the Sovereign Hill Website