Expo 2020 Dubai received international accreditation as a 'Sensory Accessible Event', thanks to its quiet rooms, tactile maps, audio output and braille.
The certification from the International Board of Sensory Accessibility was awarded on the eve of World Autism Awareness Day, which campaigns for the public to move beyond awareness of autism, to instead focus on acceptance of the condition.
The event was hosted in Terra - the Sustainability Pavilion, where guests took a low-sensory tour of the artworks by Emirati artists Asma Baker and Abdulla Lutfi, who are both on the autism spectrum.
Expo 2020 is the first world expo and the first event in the region to receive sensory certification.
Dr Daniela Ferdico, co-founder and director of Sensory Access, congratulated the team for their commitment to making the event the most inclusive of its kind.
"Expo 2020 has taken huge steps towards providing accessibility to autistic and sensory sensitive individuals, whose invisible disabilities are often not considered, at an international event with global impact,” she said.
Among the measures introduced to cater to those with sensory difficulties, Expo offers four on-site quiet rooms for visitors experiencing sensory overload or anxiety.
Sensory information on visitor experiences at the event can also be downloaded from the Expo 2020 website, should visitors wish to check the sensory load beforehand.
‘Sunflower Lanyards’ will also be provided for those who wish to discreetly signal that they have a hidden disability.
Expo 2020: themes of opportunity and mobility
Expo 2020 has already announced several measures to help the disabled access the event's attractions more easily.
The People of Determination Platform (PODium) app, developed in collaboration with the software company SAP, was specifically designed to help people of determination navigate Expo, with features such as 3D visual mapping, audio navigation and haptic or touch feedback.
Other measures include 14 tactile maps with embossed images of the surrounding area, plus audio output and braille; 3D tactile models of Expo’s flagship architecture and scannable codes for self-guided experiences narrated through sign language, audio description and written captions.
Hearing induction loops, and service dog relief areas will also be available.
Accessibility will also be on the agenda during the Expo as part of 'Expo Talks: Tolerance and Inclusivity', a series of thematic programming that addresses key global issues.
Inclusivity is a key tenet for the team at the event, said Dr Jennifer Camulli, the manager for accessibility and inclusion.
“Expo 2020 Dubai has engaged with multiple community organisations since its early planning stages to introduce provisions that enable everyone to enjoy a safe, seamless and exceptional visitor experience," she said.
"As the first World Expo in the Arab world, we are proud that our measures meet IBSA standards, setting a new benchmark for sensory accessibility in the UAE and serving as a model for the Middle East and beyond.
“We celebrate this achievement on the eve of World Autism Awareness Day with those who share Expo’s belief that only when we accept and involve people of determination can we truly be inclusive," she said.
Expo 2020 has also committed to creating opportunities for the UAE’s people of determination, working in collaboration with the Ministry of Community Development to create meaningful employment opportunities.
Tickets to Expo 2020 Dubai will be available free of charge for all people of determination, and at half price for their companion.
The event is due to start October, 1 2021, and will run until March, 31 2022.
Completed Expo 2020 pavilions
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A rendering of the UK pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai, designed by Es Devlin. Courtesy Es Devlin -
France are set to wow visitors with their colourful pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. -
The Swiss pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Courtesy: Swiss Pavilion Expo 2020 Dubai -
France Pavilion Expo 2020 Dubai -
Renderings of the India pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Courtesy: Consulate of India, Dubai -
With the UAE being home to millions of Indians, the country's pavilion is set to be a huge visitor attraction at Expo 2020 Dubai. -
The construction of the Pakistan pavilion at the Dubai Expo 2020 site has been completed. Courtesy: General Consulate of Pakistan in Dubai -
Rendering of Italian pavilion at Expo 2020. Courtesy: Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai -
Rendering of Italian pavilion at Expo 2020. Courtesy: Italy Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai -
UK pavilion outer side view. Expo 2020. Courtesy UK Pavilion Expo 2020 -
The Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2020 will be 13,069 square metres - the second largest pavilion at next year's world fair. Courtesy Expo 2020 Dubai -
The Luxembourg Pavilion will bring in culinary students to cater to visitors during the months-long event. Courtesy Luxembourg Pavilion Expo 2020 Dubai -
Luxembourg pavilion. Courtesy: Luxembourg Pavilion Expo 2020 Dubai -
Renderings of the Brazilian pavilion at Expo 2020 in Dubai, which is set to offer an immersive experience for visitors. Courtesy Brazil Pavilion Expo 2020 Dubai -
Renderings of the Brazilian pavilion at Expo 2020 in Dubai. Courtesy: Brazil Pavilion Expo 2020 Dubai -
The German Pavilion CAMPUS GERMANY: Side view. Courtesy: German Pavilion EXPO 2020 Dubai -
The German Pavilion CAMPUS GERMANY at night: Façade. Courtesy: German Pavilion EXPO 2020 Dubai -
Kuwait Pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai. Courtesy Expo 2020 Dubai -
Kuwait pavilion for expo 2020 -
Ireland's pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai is inspired by the megalithic Newgrange tomb. Courtesy Embassy of Ireland in the UAE -
The UAE pavilion with Al Wasl Plaza in the background seen from above at the Dubai Expo 2020 site. Courtesy: Dubai Expo 2020 -
Dubai, United Arab Emirates - Reporter: Ramola Talwar. News. Visitors in the Hall of Consumption. ExpoÕs Sustainability Pavilion opens to the public. Dubai. Thursday, January 21st, 2021. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
Expo's Sustainability Pavilion has opened to the public in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES , January 16 – 2021 :- Inside view of the Dubai Expo 2020 Sustainability Pavilion during the media tour in Dubai. (Pawan Singh / The National) For News/Online/Instagram/Big Picture. Story by Sarwat -
Philippines 2020 Expo Pavilion. Courtesy: Philippines Expo 2020 -
The Philippines' pavilion at Expo 2020 wil celebrate sustainability and encourage people across the globe to embrace nature. Courtesy: Philippines Expo 2020 -
American participation in the world fair was in jeopardy last year after a private consortium failed to attract sufficient funds. USA Pavilion at Expo 2020 -
The theme of the US pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai is life, liberty and the pursuit of the future. Courtesy: USA Pavilion at Expo 2020 -
Render of the exterior of Monaco pavilion that will be wrapped with solar panels at the Expo 2020 Dubai site. Courtesy: Monaco Expo 2020 -
Monaco Pavilion Expo 2020 rendering -
Finland Expo pavilion. Story by Ramola. -
Finland Expo pavilion. Story by Ramola. -
The wooden poles of the Malaysia Pavilion will be lit up at night to represent fireflies in mangrove trees. Courtesy: Malaysia Pavilion Expo 2020 Dubai -
Exhibition halls will be located in suspended sections, while a basement four metres below the surface will contain an auditorium, business centre, cafe and sunken gardens. Courtesy: Malaysia Pavilion Expo 2020 Dubai
