Sensory room set to increase accessibility at Perth Airport

Perth Airport will create a Sensory Room within T1 International to assist neurodivergent travellers before they take off.

The project will provide a calming environment featuring reduced noise levels and soft lighting.

Key highlights and inclusions of the Sensory Room:

• Seating nooks for small traveling groups.
• Two private areas
• Sensory-seeking accessories
• Device charging stations
• Small cubby spaces
• Soft furnishings and colour treatments
• Flight information display screen, enabling passengers to receive boarding updates without disruption.

The following comments are attributed to Perth Airport Chief Commercial and Aviation Officer Kate Holsgrove:

“We understand that travelling can be a highly stressful situation, especially for neurodivergent travellers. We’ve recognised this and wanted to provide a space that will make the process easier.

“With a focus on removing barriers for neurodivergent people, the room will cater to all ages, with an emphasis on supporting decompression, in a busy airport environment.”

“We’ve undergone extensive consultation through our Access and Inclusion Advisory Group, which led to the development of a to-scale room demo, including furnishings, which was then made available to the group to test and provide further feedback.

“Perth Airport is committed to fostering an inclusive travel experience for all passengers and we believe this new sensory room is a great addition to our terminal.

“The Sensory Room will offer a range of areas suitable for simultaneous use by differing travel groups such as independent travellers, carers, and families.  There will be a private family room and a second private area, with further contained seating nooks in place.”

The following comments are attributed to Disability Services Minister Don Punch:

"It is estimated that 1 in 100 people in Australia have Autism - knowing there is a calming place to take a break if things get overwhelming will offer comfort to many Western Australians and visitors to our great State.

“Through our State Disability Strategy which is supported by Action Plans, the Cook Government continues to drive improved outcomes for people with disability.

“Partnering with business, industry, community and people with disability is critical in changing attitudes. I would like to congratulate Perth Airport for making this vital piece of WA infrastructure a more inclusive space.

“This Sensory Room will complement existing initiatives implemented by Perth Airport as part of the State Disability Strategy’s second Action Plan- like the Animal Relief Areas and Changing Places, which are helping to achieve greater inclusion in WA for everyone.”

Plus Architecture designed the space and Perth Airport has now appointed WA company Hoskins Contracting construct the new Sensory room which is expected to be completed by the end of the year.