Three lovely patients who may have individual needsThree lovely patients who may have individual needsThree lovely patients who may have individual needs

Patients & visitors

Coming to hospital

Accessibility for people with sensory disability and neurodiversity

We are working with people with disability to ensure our built environment, information and communication are accessible.

Accessibility for sensory disability

At each hospital, lifts have automatic voice announcements at each floor and lift buttons are in braille.

Auslan interpreters can be arranged for d/Deaf or hard of hearing patients. Find out more about our interpreter services.

Guide dogs, audio dogs and other therapy animals are encouraged to accompany people around the hospital. If you need help with toileting animals and giving them access to drinking water, talk to Reception or your care staff.

Accessibility for neurodiversity

The term neurodiversity includes people living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as well as those with other conditions, such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, dysgraphia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The Disability Liaison team can support neurodiverse people to access services at Austin Health. Examples of what we can provide includes:

  • social scripts to describe what to expect when visiting Austin Health
  • sensory items for your visit or stay at Austin Health

Autism Spectrum Care Plan

The Autism Spectrum Care Plan is a way for you to tell Austin Health about your needs, likes and dislikes. This care plan will help Austin Health provide you with individualised treatment and care when you stay at hospital.

You can fill out this care plan by yourself, with help from someone else or a Disability Liaison Officer before you come to Austin Health.

Once you have completed the Care Plan, please send it to the Disability Liaison Officer team. We will save it in your medical record for when you come to Austin Health. You can also bring a copy of the Care Plan with you when you come to Austin Health.

Links and downloads

Social scripts

We have created social scripts using simple language and photos that describe what to expect when visiting Austin Health. View our social scripts.

Support from Disability Liaison

Our Disability Liaison Officers (DLOs) support people with disability, their families and support networks to access:

  • Austin Health services and other health and human services
  • inpatient and outpatient services
  • COVID-19 testing, treatment and vaccination

We also provide advice to health care teams to provide safer, accessible, and more inclusive care.

Contact us

Disability Liaison Officer

Phone: 03 9490 7620

Email: disabilityliaison@austin.org.au

Open hours: Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm

Links