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.
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.