As part of UK Disability History Month, the Student Disability and Inclusion team, is urging staff and students to consider including quiet hours during their events or activities.
For people with disabilities such as Autism Spectrum Condition, busy events with bright lights and lots of noise can cause sensory overload and be distressing. For some people, this can prevent them from feeling able to attend events or engage with services.
However, providing quiet options can have a really positive impact for many people.
The Sport and Wellbeing Team have introduced quiet hours every Tuesday and Wednesday between 2pm and 3pm at the Jubilee Sports Centre. During this hour, the music is switched off in the gym. Gym users are reminded about the quiet hour 15 minutes and then five minutes in advance and asked to respect the hour. It is already creating a more inclusive environment.
The Student Disability and Inclusion team has shared the below tips for successful quiet hours:
- A quiet hour should take place after the event has been set up and begun. It should not coincide with trolleys, boxes and banner stands being moved around.
- Reduce as much noise as possible including music, announcements, and noises like beeping. Reducing background noise that you may have got used should also be considered.
- When welcoming attendees, let them know when the quiet hour is, so they can be prepared.
- Consider dimming lighting where possible, and avoid harsh, bright or flashing lights.
- If you are on an information stands, allow people to come to you rather than approaching them to enable them to feel comfortable.
- Make the environment as relaxed and calm as possible.
