Access Keys
Access Keys are customised accessibility guides that provide convenient information about accessing venues, events and programs at the click of a button. They are universally designed and suitable for all people, regardless of ability. Our Access Key products ensure high levels of quality and accurate information.
Access Key details may comprise, among other things, directions on how to reach a preferred venue or event, parking facilities, layout, accessibility in and around the venue or event, the location of the reception/ticketing booth and its services, identification of the staff by their uniform, bathrooms including their environmental features, food and drink services, programming, experiences, accessible amenities, and a host of other valuable information.
Access Keys help users understand what to expect from a specific experience before attending, help to determine the suitability of an experience, help to alleviate anxiety about visiting new places, support the interpretation of circumstances and process new concepts whilst in attendance and are also a great tool for fostering independence.
Access Keys are provided in a Portable Document Format (PDF) and can be downloaded free of charge from our website’s library page and the websites of the clients we collaborate with. Access Keys can be printed. They are mobile responsive and can be downloaded and accessed on any mobile device, via our website.
For people who are blind or live with low vison, every Access Key is also available for free download in large print and formatted for use assistive technology from our website library page. In collaboration with Vision Australia, Access Keys are available in Braille or audio. Please contact Access Ability Australia for further information.
For optimum outcomes and positive experiences, Access Keys are available online to help you prepare for your visit in advance. Full implementation guidelines are provided with every Access Key.
Who may benefit from Access Keys?
Access Keys are universally designed for a wide audience regardless of ability. This may include, but are not limited to the following:
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Ageing population
- Parents with prams
- Educators
- Intellectual disabilities
- Severe language disorders
- Acquired brain injuries
- Sensory impairment
- Sensory Processing Disorder
- Dementia
- Deaf or hard of hearing
- Temporary disability
- Alzheimer’s
- Attention deficit hyper disorder (ADHD)
- Down syndrome
- Mental illness (anxiety, depression)
- Stroke
- Cognitive impairment
- Vision impairment
- People who do not speak English or Overseas visitors
Scout+ App
The Scout+ application allows you to browse through the various Access Key Assists and the complete collection of communication symbols.
Access Key Assists are tailored accessibility guides that provide individuals with essential information before visiting a place. They are similar to our Access Keys but more concise in size.
Scout+ also incorporates our renowned sensory guides. However, on Scout+, these sensory guides are interactive, allowing users to preview the visual and auditory aspects before attending.
The app’s name includes a plus symbol (+), signifying an additional attribute of the app – touch-activated communication access symbols. This collection of symbols assists in minimising potential communication challenges and allows individuals with communication needs, or those who do not speak English, to communicate with venue personnel. At present, the symbols are available in English and Mandarin, and more languages will be added soon.
Access Key Assists
An Access Key Assist is an abridged version of our famed Access Key that feature on the Scout+ app.
Access Key Assists provide a range of information people need to know prior to a visit to a new or unfamiliar venue and empower you to determine the suitability of experience. They support people of all abilities to access venues and services efficiently, confidently and with dignity.
Including full colour photographs, brief yet concise and succinct information as well as sensory elements of experiences, Access Key Assists are a great tool for fostering independence.
Scout+ is free to download from the App Store and Google Play.
AAA Access Key Assists will continue to rollout across many industry types including hospitality, health and beauty, gymnasiums, medical clinics, retail and more.
Communication Boards
A communication board is a resource that displays photos, symbols, or illustrations to help people with communication challenges express themselves.
The user can gesture, point to, or blink at symbols to communicate with others.
Our AA Communication Boards display symbols that are contextualised to represent the products and services of the clients we collaborate with. This allows visitors to express their needs, interact with others and build and maintain relationships with staff.
It also helps visitors to be active and involved in making choices for the products and services on offer.
Watch here to view a AAA Communication Board in use within community.
Social Stories
Social Stories provide a clear explanation or description of a social situation. They give insights into thoughts and feelings of others. They may outline specific challenges and help individuals prepare for new experiences. They may also suggest strategies or responses for socially appropriate behaviour.
Social Stories are developed to help individuals with autism spectrum disorder, specific language disorders, social communication difficulties or cognitive delays and disability.
Our team of Social Story authors work with our AAA Network members to develop customised Social Stories for their venues, events and programs.
AAA Social Stories are used to prepare individuals for social interaction by providing clear information about specific social situations, outlining why they happen and what typical responses might be.
They can be used by any age group and can complement Access Key use or may be used in isolation. AAA Socials Stories can also be shared to praise successful completion of an accomplishment.
Social Stories include: