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Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre has partnered with a leading non-profit American organisation KultureCity to ensure the centre and all of the programs and events that the facility hosts are sensory inclusive.

KultureCity helps individuals, venues and businesses better engage with people with sensory needs.

As such, this new initiative will promote an accommodating and positive experience for all guests with a sensory issue.

The certification process entailed the staff at Brimbank Leisure Centres being trained by leading medical professionals on how to recognise those guests with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation.

Sensory bags, equipped with noise cancelling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards, and weighted lap pads will also be available to all guests at the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre who may feel overwhelmed by the environment.

Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD and other similar conditions (1 in 6 individuals). One of the major barriers for these individuals is sensitivity to over stimulation and noise, which is an enormous part of the environment in a venue like Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre.

With its new certification, the facility is now better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible when attending.

The state-of-the-art Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre in Keilor Downs was opened on 12th September this year and features include a 50-metre, 10-lane Olympic-sized swimming pool, two water slides, health club, children’s splash park with slides and water features, seven meeting rooms, a café and crèche.

Prior to attending the facility, families can download the free KultureCity App where they can view what sensory features are available and where they can access them. Also, on the App is the Social Story which will provide a preview of what to expect while enjoying the facilities at Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre.

Uma Srivastava, Executive Director, KultureCity advises “Our communities are what shapes our lives and to know that Brimbank Leisure Centres are willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everyone, no matter their ability, is included in their community is amazing. We’re honoured to partner with Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre to provide a truly inclusive experience for all of the Brimbank community!”

KultureCity is a leading non-profit recognised nationwide for using its resources to revolutionise and effect change in the community for those with sensory needs, not just those with autism. Since the program’s inception, KultureCity has created over 1,000 sensory-inclusive venues in six countries.

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