Coles officially launches ‘Quiet Hour’ for people with autism
While making a trip to the supermarket might seem like a standard task for some, for families with an autistic member it can prove to be a tricky situation.
The music blaring, beeping scanners, noisy customers and bright lights all pose a challenge to those who find the heightened sensory of a supermarket too much to handle.
To combat this issue, for an hour each week select Coles stores across Australia will introduce a Quiet Hour to cater for the needs of these families.
The lights will be dimmed by 50 per cent, the radio will be switched off, and register and scanner noise will be set to the lowest level.
No trolley collections and roll cages will be removed from the shop floor throughout the hour and announcements will be only be made on the speaker if there is an emergency. Additional staff will also be available to support customers during the trial period.
In August, Coles partnered with Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) to trial Quiet Hour at two Victorian stores to support customers with autism.
Following the success of the trial, Quiet Hour will be offered every Tuesday from 10.30 am to 11.30 am in 68 stores across the nation.
Linzi Coyle, Aspect’s community engagement and operations manager, said a trip to the shops can be difficult for many individuals and families.
"People on the autism spectrum often have difficulty processing sensory information and can find sounds, light, smell, touch and taste overwhelming," she said.
"Together with Coles, we're achieving a 'no-judgment' shopping space where people on the spectrum and their families can feel comfortable and welcome whilst grocery shopping."
Peter Sheean, Coles’ accessibility sponsor, said the company wanted to spread this initiative across the county.
"We were really pleased to receive a positive response from our customers and team members, who welcomed Quiet Hour and provided feedback on social media," he said.
Those affected by autism applauded the initiative.
"This is absolutely amazing," one person wrote on Aspect's Facebook page.
"I know my son struggles going to the supermarket because of sensory overload so this would help make the stress of going to do the shopping alot less and more of a positive experience."
What do you think of Coles' Quiet Hour initiative? Let us know in the comments below.