Here at the National Assembly for Wales we are proud to promote equality for everyone.
We work to make sure that our buildings are accessible to visitors with autism.
The Senedd is the main public building of the National Assembly for Wales. Boasting an iconic debating chamber, stunning architecture and views over Cardiff Bay, it is also free for the public to visit throughout the year.
The Pierhead is the red brick building with a clock tower, next to the Senedd. One of the oldest and most beautiful buildings in Cardiff Bay, it’s open for the public to explore daily.
Tŷ Hywel is the
office building behind the Senedd where Assembly Members and staff of the
National Assembly for Wales are based. Although this is not a visitor
attraction, people may enter the building to visit an Assembly Member or a
member of staff. We also offer educational workshops in this building, where we
have a special debating chamber just for children and young people.
We have created a webpage to provide information for visitors with autism, and guides which cover each building in detail. We look at the Senedd, Pierhead and Ty Hywel buildings and some of the things visitors may be worried about, including:
- Security checks, and what happens when you enter the buildings
- Noises to expect and recordings of the sounds you might hear
- Sensory issues such as lighting and smells
- Information about our Quiet Rooms, which can be used for prayer, quiet reflection, or a calm break for people struggling with sensory overload.
You can also ask for any of the guides in:
- Hard copy
- Easy read version
- Large print
- Braille
You can find all the guides, sound recordings and further information on our Visitors with an Autism Spectrum Condition webpage.
As well as visitors with autism spectrum conditions, we strive to make our buildings accessible to all visitors. Our facilities include:
- Ramps and lifts
- Autism-friendly labelling
- Hearing loop systems
- Wheelchair hire
- A range of toilet facilities including gender neutral toilets, accessible toilets, a Changing Places facility with adult hoist, and toilets for people with mobility issues
- Disabled parking spaces.
More information on the things we have included in the design of our estate, to ensure the building meets its target of being exemplar in terms of accessibility, is available on our Security and Access webpage.
We hope you enjoy your visit and welcome feedback on improvements that can be made.
More information on our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion is set out in our Diversity and Inclusion Strategy 2016-21.
If you have any questions you can contact us on 0300 200 6565 or email contact@assembly.wales.