This year’s VAILO Adelaide 500 is the most inclusive Supercars race in the state’s history with the Malinauskas Labor Government speeding ahead of the rest of the nation by introducing a dedicated sensory space and shining a light on the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program.
Building on last year’s nation-leading event, this year’s VAILO Adelaide 500 features a dedicated Hidden Disabilities ‘Sunflower’ entrance and exit located at Gate 9, and a sensory room delivered in partnership with the State Government Office for Autism and Autism SA will be available.
The Hidden Disability Sunflower is an internationally-recognised symbol for non-visible disabilities and conditions and enables people with hidden disabilities to be seen and supported.
Many in the autistic and autism communities have shared the ways in which autism can often feel like a ‘hidden disability’, making asking for support more difficult when out in the community due to a lack in knowledge and awareness of hidden disabilities such as autism.
As with last year’s event, the SACARE Carers Lounge will also be available during the race providing attendees with disability a dedicated space with accessible medical and bathroom facilities.
For coffee fans, the Gold Foundation’s ‘Shine Like Gold’ Cafe is also a vendor at the race. The Shine Like Gold’ Café received $300,000 in funding from the Malinauskas Labor Government and is an Australian-first initiative enabling young Autistic* individuals to build practical skills through paid employment.
These inclusive facilities and activities at this year’s VAILO Adelaide 500 provide another important step in helping to build knowledge of autism in our state and making our major events more inclusive for all.
Quotes
Attributable to Emily Bourke
Everybody should have the right to enjoy South Australia’s world-renowned major events.
This year’s theme of ‘All In’ means just that – we are creating an inclusive event that can be enjoyed by all who wish to participate.
Having dedicated sensory spaces and partnering with organisations such as Autism SA and the Hidden Disability Sunflower Lanyard program ensures that we are all in – all in for all members of our community to enjoy the exciting events our great state has to offer.
Attributable to Brian Gleeson OAM, VAILO Adelaide 500 Event Manager
It’s important to the VAILO Adelaide 500 that the event precinct is an inclusive environment for all fans attending.
Partnering with Autism SA and the Hidden Disability Sunflower Lanyard program allows us to create an environment where everyone can go all in and enjoy the four days of action on and off the track.
The VAILO Adelaide 500 is traditionally high octane, loud and action packed – with these important initiatives in place, we hope to create a space for everyone to relax and enjoy the event.
Background
Autism is a neurological difference in the way that individuals experience and respond to the world around them. There is not one singular way that Autistic people experience the world. That’s why the term ‘spectrum’ is often used – to reflect the fact that every individual’s lived experience of autism is different.
Over 200,000 Australians are Autistic. 1 in 4 Australians has an autistic family member.
Autism is the largest primary disability group in the NDIS, and South Australia sits above the national average, with 41% of South Australian NDIS participants being Autistic.
* This document uses identity-first language throughout. We recognise there are people in the autistic community who prefer person-first language, people who prefer identity-first language and people who use the terms interchangeably.
