ICC Sydney launches Disability Inclusion Action Plan

International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), managed by ASM Global launched its inaugural Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP) on World Autism Awareness Day (2 April). In 2023, ICC Sydney was the first Australian convention centre to develop an Accessible and Inclusive Events Guide for event organisers and this next phase of work continues to build on the venue’s resources and plans to ensure it is readily accessible and welcoming to people with a disability. New South Wales parliamentary secretary for families and communities, and parliamentary secretary for disability inclusion, Liesl Tesch supported the development of the new action plan, saying: “It is pleasing to see premier venues such as ICC Sydney placing a real focus on delivering fairer, safer and more inclusive spaces for the people that pass through its doors every year. It’s a positive step forward for the millions of people visiting ICC Sydney from across the state, right across Australia and beyond our borders. “Around one in five Australians experience disability. These action plans help to provide opportunities for full participation in the community, in our economy, and engagement with world-class facilities such as ICC Sydney.” ICC Sydney CEO and group director – convention centres, ASM Global (APAC), Geoff Donaghy paid tribute to community partner Get Skilled Access for providing guidance through the development of the venue’s action plan. “Together with Get Skilled Access, we undertook consultation with our team to more deeply understand where our strengths are and where there is opportunity to improve the overall accessibility of our venue services – from content presented across our digital channels to implementing training for our team to best support people with hidden disabilities, our new Disability Inclusion Action Plan is a blueprint for enhancing our services so that every visitor feels a sense of belonging and inclusion,” Donaghy said. Australia’s largest disability related event – Sydney Disability Connection Expo, founder River Night said: “ICC Sydney’s commitment to inclusion is exemplary and it is gratifying to see they have a formal Disability Inclusion Action Plan in place to guide their world class practices. From accessible and inclusive event management services to logistics and exhibitor services, we commend the venue team for their outstanding contribution to the successful planning of Sydney Disability Connection Expo. We look forward to providing an unparalleled platform for visitors to engage with disability service providers at this exceptional venue.” Photo courtesy Tim Pascoe Photography