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 information may include but is not limited to navigational instructions on getting to a chosen venue or event, parking, layout, access in and around a venue or event, reception/ticketing locations and services, identification of staff by uniform, toilets including their environmental specifications, food and beverage services, programming, experiences and accessible offerings plus much more!
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 presented in a Portable Document Format (pdf). They are free of charge to download from our website library page as well as from the website of the clients we work 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
AAA App
Available in the App Store and Google Play, the AAA app will allow you to view and refer back to ‘pocket versions’ of our Access Keys in real time.
Through the use of advanced technology, the AAA app provides larger set of information in real time and allows you to actively build connection to the community to enrich your experiences.
The AAA app uses picture-based symbols along with high-quality real voice synthesis. AAA mascots, Milo and Maddy, will guide you through the app providing tips and reminders along the way.
Access Key Assists
Introducing our newest product, an Access Key Assist.
An Access Key Assist is an abridged version of our famed Access Key.
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 our most vulnerable members of community to access venues and services efficiently, confidently and with dignity.
Including full colour photographs, brief yet concise and succinct text as well as sensory elements of experiences, Access Key Assists are a great tool for fostering independence.
They are free of charge to download from our website library page as well as from the website of the clients we work with. Access Key Assists can be printed. They are mobile responsive and can be downloaded and accessed on any mobile device, via our website.
AAA Access Key Assists will continue to rollout across many industries including hospitality, health and beauty, gymnasiums, medical clinics and retail.
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.
AAA Communication Boards feature contextualised symbols that reflect the products and services of the clients we work 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 will be working with our AAA Network members to develop customised Social Stories for their venues, events and programs.
AAA Social Stories can be 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: