Perth Airport is to create a sensory room within the T1 international terminal to assist neurodivergent travellers. The project aims to 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
“We understand that travelling can be a highly stressful situation, especially for neurodivergent travellers,” said Kate Holsgrove, Chief Commercial and Aviation Officer, Perth Airport. “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.”
