Autism friendly club project

<< Background >>We applied for this project to address the urgent need for greater inclusion of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the hospitality sector. Despite ASD affecting over 7 million people in Europe, this group remains largely excluded as customers due to a lack of awareness, appropriate training, and accessible environments. The project aims to adapt and pilot the Autism Friendly Club model in Sweden, with the long-term goal of scaling it across the EU. It addresses key gaps by providing hospitality staff—particularly in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) —with training, tools, and protocols to better serve ASD individuals. It also focuses on adapting physical spaces, schedules, and communication methods to reduce sensory overload and improve customer experience. The project promotes equality, social inclusion, and active citizenship, while helping SMEs gain recognition through certification. By partnering with experienced organizations, the initiative strengthens professional competences and encourages a shift toward more inclusive, autism-aware services in vocational training and public-facing sectors.<< Objectives >>The main objective of the project was to make the hospitality sector more inclusive and accessible for individuals with ASD. Through the implementation of the Autism Friendly Club model, the project aimed to equip hospitality staff—especially in SMEs—with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to understand and accommodate the needs of ASD customers. Specifically, the project sought to:* Raise awareness about ASD within the hospitality sector.* Provide a 20-hour blended training and certification course for staff and managers.* Improve physical environments by signposting sensory-friendly spaces and creating quiet zones.* Adapt schedules and service protocols to better suit ASD customers’ needs.* Develop sector-specific guidelines and standards for autism-friendly service.* Promote social inclusion, diversity, and equal access to services across the EU.By achieving these objectives, the project aimed to create lasting change in how public spaces and services are designed and delivered, contributing to a more inclusive society.<< Implementation >>To achieve the project’s objectives, we implemented a series of structured activities focused on capacity-building, awareness-raising, and testing of inclusive practices in the hospitality sector:Project management and coordination to ensure smooth collaboration among partners in Sweden and Spain, supported by regular meetings and reporting.Development of a 20-hour blended micro credential course for hospitality sector staff, focused on ASD characteristics, communication strategies, and practical accommodations.Pilot training sessions involving at least 25 participants per partner country to test and refine the course content.Awareness-raising and dissemination campaigns, including the design of project branding, social media outreach, and newsletters to engage stakeholders.Adaptation of hospitality environments, such as signposting sensory-friendly areas and proposing schedule adjustments to better suit ASD needs.Three transnational partner meetings (in Barcelona, Uppsala, and Madrid) to coordinate efforts, evaluate progress, and prepare final outputs.Several multiplier events (1in Sweden and 4 Spain) to present the project results to local stakeholders, SMEs, educators, and public authorities.<< Results >>The project produced several concrete outputs and results that directly contribute to improving inclusion for individuals with ASD in the hospitality sector:A 20-hour blended micro credential course tailored for hospitality staff, covering ASD characteristics, communication techniques, sensory sensitivities, and behavioral support strategies.Pilot training and certification of at least 50 hospitality professionals across Sweden and Spain, including both managers and frontline staff, validating the course's relevance and usability.Practical guidelines and sector-specific protocols for hospitality businesses on how to create autism-friendly environments, including signage, quiet zones, and adapted schedules.Improved awareness and capacity within small and medium-sized hospitality enterprises to serve ASD customers with empathy and competence.5 successful multiplier events (Sweden and Spain), reaching local stakeholders, public authorities, and professionals with project findings and tools.Dissemination materials, including a project website, social media campaigns, and newsletters, to ensure visibility and uptake beyond the partnership.