Customers at Service NSW’s Erina service centre will now be able to attend Quiet Hour for a lower-sensory experience, with quieter and less stimulating environments.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said Service NSW is piloting Quiet Hour for three months at eight Service Centres across NSW, including the Erina centre.
Quiet Hour at Erina will take place between 10am and 11am on Tuesdays and between 4pm and 5pm on Wednesdays.
“Service NSW aims to make all customers feel welcome and supported when visiting a Service Centre,” Crouch said.
“Some people have sensory processing issues and may find sound and light overwhelming.
“Major retailers across the country, including Coles and Woolworths, have successfully introduced Quiet Hour and customers have called on Service NSW to offer a similar experience.
“Quiet Hour offers a lower-sensory experience by making changes in the Service Centre such as reducing noise and lighting where possible.”
The changes may include the volume of music and customer ticket announcements being turned down and requesting customers to turn their phones to silent.
Staff will also complete additional disability awareness training to help provide customers with extra support during their visit.
“Service NSW is committed to fostering a community which is inclusive and supportive of all customers,” Crouch said.
“Service NSW also offers hearing loops, low counters and other accessibility features.”
The pilot will help inform the potential extension of Quiet Hour to more Service NSW Centres in late 2022.
For more information about Quiet Hour and Service Centre times, please visit Supporting customers with disability | Service NSW.
Source:
Media release, Jul 1
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch