Lights out, noise off to bring autism awareness into focus

CHENNAI: Many people shop to de-stress, but for people with autism and their families, a visit to the local mall can be stressful. For people who are sensitive to sounds and bright light, browsing through stores results in a sensory overload.


That’s why, on April 1, ahead of

World Autism Awareness Day

(observed on April 2),

Big Bazaar

outlets in 16 cities, including Chennai, will observe a ‘Quiet Hour’ from 11am to 1pm. During this time, lights in the store will be dimmed, and announcements, music, and other loud sounds cut out, so that individuals with autism and their families have a relaxing conducive environment to shop in.

“The initiative is being conducted for the first time and we have been also holding workshops to sensitise staff members,” says Sharada Rajaram, coordinator, We Can, a resource centre working with children with autism. “The idea is to create a conducive environment for these families and also create awareness about autism.

The campaign kicked off in December, when Big Bazaar tied up with Mumbai-based NGO Sol’s Arc. “They wanted to see how their stores can be made sensory-friendly for World Disability Day, December 3, 2018,” says Poonam Nair, vocational head, Sol’s Arc. After a four-month study, they came up with suggestions – dim lights, no loud noise or announcements, visual signage and engagement zones. “Even noise from the trolleys and scanning machines were cut out. Since, people with autistism are visual learners, we came up with appropriate visual codes. Engagement zones with fun activities were created so shoppers could relax and seating arrangements were made in the store so they could sit when tired.”

Employees were also sensitized to assist shoppers in a sensitive manner.

On April 1, the same arrangements will be put in place in all 16 stores. “We have invited NGOs in various cities to bring in families to experience this. Based on the feedback we get, we plan to make it permanent across these stores, with one quiet hour a week,” says Nair, adding that the initiative has been spearheaded by Sonali Saini, founder-chairperson of Sol’s Arc.

On April 1 and 2,

Ripon Building

as well as Lanson Toyota showrooms, Madras Race Club in Guindy, Mecheri Centre at Eldams Road, and Shuttles & Needles at Indra Nagar will be lit up in blue for autism awareness.