On Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Guide Dogs Queensland’s Advocacy and Access Team led the inaugural Airport to Arena awareness journey, bringing accessibility into focus as participants travelled from Brisbane Domestic Airport to the future Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic venue precinct at Victoria Park.
The activation highlighted the lived experience of people who are blind or have low vision when navigating transport connections, pathways, crossings, and public spaces. Throughout the day, participants gained first-hand insight into some of the accessibility barriers that can arise across a connected journey and why inclusive design matters from the very beginning.
The event brought together Guide Dogs Handlers, White Cane users, community leaders, stakeholders, and media, all united by a shared goal of creating a more accessible Queensland. Representatives from Brisbane City Council, the Olympic and Paralympic Games Office, ABC Radio, Channels 7 and 9, Brisbane Times, and Guide Dogs Queensland Board Members joined the journey, with many taking part in low vision simulation activities to better understand the challenges people can face in everyday environments.
Guide Dogs Queensland was grateful for the support shown throughout the day, including the warm welcome from Brisbane Airport and assistance from Queensland Rail in helping participants safely board and disembark trains during the journey.
Media coverage throughout the activation helped raise awareness of the importance of accessibility, inclusion, and universal design as Queensland prepares for Brisbane 2032. A key message of the day was that accessibility is not only about venues or destinations, but about ensuring every part of the journey is safe, connected, and inclusive.
Guide Dogs Queensland plans to continue the Airport to Arena activation annually on Global Accessibility Awareness Day, helping to track progress and keep accessibility at the centre of planning in the lead up to Brisbane 2032.
