Accessibility & Inclusion

Accessibility & Inclusion

Safe Place for all

FIA recognises the value of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in achieving meaningful and best-practice fundraising, and welcomes the contributions and equitable participation of every individual.  FIA is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for our employees, volunteers and members.

If you would like to find out more about how to get involved with the FIA Diversity, Equity and Inclusion working group, please contact [email protected].

 

Assistance Animals

Guide, hearing and assistance animals are welcome to access the ICC Sydney. Assistance animals must be identified by use of a valid assistance animal identification card, pass or permit and any of the following;

  • an assistance dog harness
  • a coat, cape or vest clearly identifying them as an assistance animal
  • an identification badge or medallion (displayed, for example, on its harness, collar, leash, coat, cape or vest)

Uncertified therapy/emotional support/companion animals are not included in the Act, therefore do not meet the legal definition of an assistance animal and do not have the same public access rights. These animals may be refused entry.

 

Accessible Seating

There are a number of wheelchair and companion seating locations in the Pyrmont Theatre (plenary sessions). Please ask one of the FIA staff or Volunteers for assistance if required.

FIA will designate a few seats in each track room and within the Exhibition Hall as priority or courtesy seating for those that require.  

 

Accessible Toilets

ICC Sydney supports all its guests to use the bathroom most applicable to their gender identity, with male, female, and unisex wheelchair accessible bathrooms available throughout the Convention Centre, Exhibition Centre and ICC Sydney Theatre.

Every wheelchair accessible bathroom at ICC Sydney has a sanitary bin available.

ICC Sydney does not tolerate bullying or antisocial behaviour. If you experience harassment, please raise with a customer service and / or security team member, or contact ICC Sydney Security on +61 2 9215 7100.

 

Hearing Assistance

Induction loop hearing augmentation systems are provided in the Grand Ballroom and Grand Ballroom Foyer. Infrared hearing augmentation systems are provided in all meeting rooms and theatres, including Darling Harbour Theatre and ICC Sydney Theatre.

Complimentary hearing augmentation devices (hearing loops) are available and can be provided to guests free of charge with a form of photo identification. The hired device must remain on ICC Sydney premises and be returned at the conclusion of the day. Hearing loops may not be compatible with Cochlear Implants.

Please note hearing loops are compatible with t-switch (telecoil) enabled hearing aids or cochlear implants.

Patrons can collect either a personal induction loop or a set of lightweight headphones from ICC Sydney’s Customer Service Desk upon arrival to access this service.

It is recommended that people who use a hearing aid or cochlear implant utilise the personal induction loop system.

 

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Initiative

FIA are now proud participants in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Initiative, which helps to raise awareness of, and provide support to those living with a non-visible disability.

The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Initiative is about helping people with disabilities that are not immediately obvious (such as autism, chronic pain, dementia, anxiety, visual or hearing impairment), to receive the understanding, patience and support they need when going about their daily lives.

Under the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Initiative, our attendees with such non-visible disabilities can choose to wear a Sunflower lanyard, as a subtle way of letting the FIA team know that they may require additional support, assistance, or a bit more time.

A limited number of Sunflower lanyards are available at the FIA Conference Registration Desk, at no cost.

In addition to making the Sunflower lanyards available, we’re training our team to identify the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower so we can better support our customers who may require additional help.

 

ICC Sydney has also joined forces with Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.  The initiative will see the convention, exhibition and entertainment venue utilise its global platform as an international event destination to promote the inclusion of people with hidden disabilities, conditions or chronic illnesses. Should you need support or have further enquiries, head to one of our Customer Service desks.

 

Quiet Room 

FIA, with support from ASPECT, has designated a Quiet Room on the Level 2 near the Pyrmont Theatre. A Quiet Room is a safe space for people to go if they become overwhelmed during events. 

Quiet Rooms are for anyone who needs to take a break from the sensory or social environment. Multiple groups can be in the room and use different spaces at the same time. 

 

Visual Story

A Visual Story is a step-by-step guide for what attendees can expect when they attend FIA Conference 2025. It uses pictures, and is written in easy-English, to make important information about the conference accessible for more people. You will be able to download a copy from this website in early 2025.

 

Venue Accessibility

There is additional accessibility information relating to the International Convention Centre Sydney, please follow this link Accessibility | Venue Information | ICC Sydney for more information.