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Inclusion Matters

Inclusion Matters Hub

Featuring 25 different measures your business can adopt to create more inclusive spaces for autistic people, their families and community.

Explore the measures
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Spotlight

A driver for acceptance

One in 40 Australians are autistic, yet many everyday spaces aren't designed with their needs in mind. To help change this, Mastercard launched the Inclusion Matters Hub, a digital platform featuring 25 measures that your business can adopt to embed into daily operations and create more inclusive environments.

Co-designed with experts

Built in partnership with Autism CRC, Australia’s leading authority on evidence-based autism practices.

design experts

Grounded in lived experience

Insights are shaped directly by autistic people, capturing real experiences of visiting businesses.

Experience

Actionable and research-backed

Every measure is co-created with community input and supported by evidence to drive meaningful inclusion.

actionable and research-based backed

MEASURES

How to turn inclusion into action

Respect touch, time and space

Autistic people have different needs around touch, time and space. Asking for consent and allowing space and time can make interactions more comfortable and less stressful.

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Create low sensory zones

Provide quiet, low-stimulation spaces so people can take breaks from noise and activity and stay engaged longer.

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Offer sensory-friendly sessions

Design quieter, calmer sessions with reduced sensory input so more people can comfortably enjoy events and experiences.

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Implement quiet hours

Schedule lower-noise, low-light periods to make your business more accessible for people sensitive to sensory input.

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Review temperature

Help people feel comfortable by managing temperature, providing control where possible, and sharing what to expect in advance.

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Reduce smells

Minimise strong scents and odours to create a safer, more comfortable environment for people sensitive to smell.

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Adjust sound and noise

Reduce background and sudden noise to support comfort, focus, and accessibility for people sensitive to sound.

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Adjust visual and lighting environment

Reduce background and sudden noise to support comfort, focus, and accessibility for people sensitive to sound.

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Support customer service preferences

Respect individual needs by adapting service, communication, and pace to match each customer’s preferences and comfort levels.

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Provide alternative checkout options

Offer flexible checkout experiences with reduced interaction and noise so customers can choose what feels most comfortable.

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Offer alternative service options

Enable different ways to access services, such as online or contactless options, to reduce stress and improve accessibility.

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Provide seating options and flexibility

Offer varied seating choices and flexibility so customers can select spaces that best suit their comfort and sensory needs.

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Enable pre-visit communication

Allow customers to share preferences in advance so their needs are understood and supported before they arrive.

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Manage timing, changes and wait times

Improve predictability by clearly communicating wait times, changes, and processes so customers can plan and feel more in control.

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Support your autistic staff

Respect individual needs by adapting service, communication, and pace to match each customer’s preferences and comfort levels.

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Improve hiring practices

Offer flexible checkout experiences with reduced interaction and noise so customers can choose what feels most comfortable.

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Train staff to recognise support tools

Enable different ways to access services, such as online or contactless options, to reduce stress and improve accessibility.

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Deliver autism inclusion training

Offer varied seating choices and flexibility so customers can select spaces that best suit their comfort and sensory needs.

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provide accesible information online

Provide accessibility information online

Share clear, easy-to-find accessibility details online so people can plan ahead and feel confident visiting your space.

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Include sensory notes in your menu

Use clear, simple sensory descriptions to help customers understand food choices and make confident decisions.

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Provide event information

Give detailed, clear event information so people know what to expect and can prepare for their visit.

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Communicate appointment information

Send clear, step-by-step appointment details in advance to help customers feel prepared and reduce anxiety.

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Improve store navigation

Make it easier to navigate your space with clear maps and consistent layouts so customers know where to go.

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Provide accessible menu information

Offer clear, detailed menu information with allergens, ingredients, and formats to support confident and inclusive dining choices.

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Provide clear signage

Use simple, consistent and visual signage to help people easily find their way and access information.

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Provide accessibility information online

Share clear, easy-to-find accessibility details online so people can plan ahead and feel confident visiting your space.

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