Service NSW is rolling out quiet hours at Service Centres across the State to make it easier for people who are sensitive to light or overstimulated by sound to complete Government transactions.
Welcoming the move, the Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Jihad Dib said that for a set time each week, more than 110 participating Service Centres would turn down lighting where possible, as well as music and ticket announcements.
Mr Dib said staff would also encourage customers to put their mobile phones on silent mode and minimise conversations with other customers during that time.
“We need to create a more inclusive environment and it’s important that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstance, knows they are welcome in a NSW Service Centre,” Mr Dib said.
“Quiet Hour will provide a more calming and supportive environment for those who have low-sensory needs,” he said.
“For people who require limited distractions, such as Autistic people, Quiet Hour will allow them to complete their driver’s knowledge test and access other services in a quieter, calmer environment.
“A Service Centre should be available to everyone who needs it, and Quiet Hour is one of many programs Service NSW has rolled out in recent times to improve the overall accessibility of Government services.”
Mr Dib said Service NSW had surveyed the Centres which had already been participating in Quiet Hour and found nearly 97 per cent of people felt the service was successful at their centre.
He said about 60 per cent of transactions completed by people specifically attending Quiet Hour were for driver knowledge tests or other computer-based examinations.
“Service NSW has provided disability awareness training for staff to assist customers living with disabilities and their carers,” the Minister said.
Further information on Quiet Hour and participating Service NSW Centres can be accessed at this PS News link.
