Accommodate Us
Autism Queensland (AQ) facilitated the co-designed production of the Accommodate Us Toolkit to support accommodation providers in removing barriers and providing inclusive travel experiences for neurodivergent patrons.
Supported by Queensland Government funding through the Accessible Tourism Enablers Grant, the Accommodate Us Toolkit was developed through a co-designed framework alongside neurodivergent travellers and Queensland accommodation providers. The toolkit has been carefully designed to support providers to enhance their knowledge of neurodivergence, identify and remove barriers for neurodivergent patrons visiting their establishments, implement inclusive design solutions, and create informed and accessible experiences for all patrons.
Inclusion is good business. Creating inclusive spaces where everyone can feel welcomed, valued and included is not just the right thing to do, it is how industry remains on the forefront of innovation and growth. The toolkit contains educational videos, how-to guides, tip sheets, information papers, tools, and strategies to support accommodation providers in creating more inclusive travel experiences. The project is categorised under three (3) key solution-focused project themes:
- Understanding neurodivergence
- Creating a more predictable guest journey
- Fostering inclusive environments
FAQ Resource 'Quick Links'
Not sure what you’re looking for? That’s okay. Here are some frequently asked questions to get you started. Explore these quick links to find practical advice, strategies, and resources to help you create a more inclusive accommodation spaces and travel experiences for neurodivergent patrons:
- I’d like to better understand neurodiversity
- How can I help guests know what to expect before they arrive?
- How can I make booking and check-in easier for guests?
- How can I help guests find their way around my accommodation?
- How can I make my accommodation more accessible and welcoming?
- What information should I share with guests before their stay?
- How can I better support guests during their stay?
- How can I identify and remove barriers in my accommodation?
Still can’t find quite what you’re looking for? Keep scrolling and browse our full range of resources or contact us for more support.
Section 1: Understanding neurodivergence
The journey to genuine inclusion starts by increasing awareness and understanding. Learning about neurodivergence and the experiences of neurodivergent travellers is a critical first step towards creating more inclusive travel experiences.
- Download Understanding Neurodivergence and the Experience of Neurodivergent Travellers Information Paper here.
Section 2: Creating a more predictable guest journey
Establishing predictability involves ensuring that guests know what to expect about the physical environment, procedures, activities, amenities, and other services before arrival and during their stay. The following videos feature case studies of neurodivergent travellers, discussing the challenges faced in planning and booking accommodation, barriers during arrival and check-in, and what providers can do to make this process more inclusive.
The following resources have been carefully designed to help accommodation providers support neurodivergent patrons with accurate and useful information about what to expect when planning an accommodation stay, how to provide predictability, strategies to creating an inclusive welcome stories and check-in procedures, and strategies to streamline processes for staff and ensure guests feel welcome and supported.
Section 3: Fostering inclusive environments
Inclusive environments are much more than accessible spaces. They are welcoming and intuitive spaces that foster a sense of safety and belonging. Creating and fostering inclusive environments is a journey that starts with a commitment to inclusion.
The following video and resources provide prompts and practical strategies to help you consider each step of the guest journey, how patrons navigate your accommodation spaces, and how wayfinding, design, infrastructure, landscaping and signage can support accessibility and inclusion.
This project was proudly funded and supported by:
Special thanks to Cedar Creek Lodges, Crystalbrook Vincent, Daydream Island Resort, Paradise Resort Gold Coast, Pullman Brisbane King George Square, and Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort for taking part in the Accommodate Us project and championing inclusion across their venues.
Contact us for support
For further advice, resources, tailored support, bespoke training, or consultation to develop and implement inclusive solutions across your accommodation and travel venues, contact us for a chat.
For media enquiries, interview requests, or permission to reproduce content, please contact us. Information published on this website is provided for general informational purposes and should not be taken as a substitute for individualised advice.
