Building Inclusive Games: Prioritising Hearing Augmentation Infrastructure for Brisbane 2032
Submission to Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Infrastructure Planning
Version: v3.0
Date Created: 18/12/2024
Next Review Due: 18/12/2025
Approval Status: Approved
Introduction
The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games represent a global celebration of athletic excellence and community spirit, with inclusivity and accessibility at its heart.
As the world comes together to witness these iconic events, we must ensure that every athlete, spectator, and participant has equal access to all aspects of the Games. By prioritising universal access, Brisbane can set a new benchmark in event planning, reinforcing its reputation as a forward-thinking, inclusive, and welcoming host city.
Better Hearing Australia Brisbane (BHA), proudly a Queensland Disability Peak and Representative Body, is uniquely positioned to support this vision through its leadership in promoting hearing augmentation and accessibility solutions.
As the driving force behind LoopMe, Australia’s only certified social enterprise dedicated to hearing augmentation, BHA brings expertise and innovation to the forefront of accessible design. By integrating solutions like hearing loops, assistive listening devices, and other hearing augmentation technologies into Games infrastructure, LoopMe and BHA can help create a truly inclusive experience for the millions of attendees, including those with hearing loss.
The Case for Hearing Augmentation
Like Sydney 2000, it is expected that Brisbane 2032 will attract millions of spectators.
The sobering fact is that this could mean hundreds of thousands of visitors with hearing loss.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), over 1.5 billion people live with some degree of hearing loss, representing nearly 20% of the world’s population, with around 430 million requiring rehabilitation services and devices for their hearing loss [1].
In Australia research shows at least 1 in 6 Australians experience some form of hearing loss [2]. This equates to over 900,000 Queenslanders currently living with hearing loss.
By 2032, hearing loss is projected to affect approximately 20% of the Australian population, according to trends identified in reports by the World Health Organisation and national studies. This increase is driven by Australia’s aging population, as hearing loss prevalence rises significantly with age. For example:
- 1 in 2 Australians aged over 60 will experience some degree of hearing loss by 2032 [3].
- 1 in 3 working-age Australians (ages 50–64) are also likely to be affected, highlighting the growing impact on all aspects of society, including workforce participation and social engagement.
This projected rise underscores the importance of planning accessible infrastructure for events like the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games to cater to the needs of this significant and growing demographic.
The key takeaway here is that hearing loss is not just limited to spectators, but also affects athletes, staff, and volunteers — the very people tasked with making the Games a success.
The planning and delivery of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games will align with Australia’s Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) [4], and international best practices for accessibility, such as those outlined in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)[5]. Similarly, Australia’s Disability Strategy 2021-2031 [6] outlines a vision for a more inclusive and accessible Australian society where all people with disability can fulfil their potential as equal members of the community. Queensland’s Disability Plan 2022–2027 [7], titled “Together, a better Queensland,” outlines the state’s commitment to building an inclusive society for all individuals with disabilities, including those with hearing loss.
These frameworks and plans mandate equitable access to services, facilities, and information for all individuals, including people with disabilities. Hearing augmentation solutions, such as hearing loops and captioning, are critical in meeting these obligations, as they provide direct, effective communication support for people with hearing loss.
By integrating hearing augmentation technologies into Games venues, public spaces, and transport infrastructure, Brisbane can demonstrate a commitment to global accessibility standards, setting an example for future international events.
Key Recommendations for Brisbane 2032
To support spectators, athletes, staff, and volunteers who live with hearing loss, BHA urges Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Infrastructure Planning to consider the following recommendations:
- Ensure all stadiums, arenas, transportation hubs and public venues include permanent or temporary hearing augmentation technology.
- Equip public transportation with hearing augmentation solutions to support navigation and communication for attendees.
- Educate staff and volunteers on hearing loss awareness and the importance of hearing augmentation systems.
- Partner with LoopMe by BHA for consultation, design, and implementation of hearing augmentation solutions.
The Broader Impact of Inclusive Games Infrastructure
The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games offer a unique opportunity to establish Queensland as a global leader in accessible infrastructure. By prioritising inclusivity in planning and design, the Games can leave a legacy of public spaces, transport systems, and venues that are not only world-class but also universally accessible. This commitment will benefit Queensland’s tourism industry, foster greater community engagement, and serve as a benchmark for future global events.
Incorporating hearing augmentation solutions can help ensure individuals with hearing loss can fully participate in the Games experience, breaking down barriers and promoting social inclusion. Accessible infrastructure, such as best practice hearing loops [8] and assistive listening devices, empowers people with hearing challenges to engage confidently, fostering a more equitable and connected community.
LoopMe by BHA
LoopMe by BHA is Australia’s only certified social enterprise* dedicated to providing accessible, affordable, and sustainable hearing augmentation solutions. With a mission to break down barriers for individuals with hearing loss, LoopMe is committed to creating spaces where everyone can connect, communicate, and thrive.
LoopMe has a strong track record of delivering high-quality hearing augmentation installations in public spaces across Queensland. From shopping centres, conference venues and customer service centres [9], its solutions have enhanced accessibility for thousands, ensuring people with hearing loss can participate fully in everyday activities and special events.
*All proceeds from LoopMe sales and service go towards BHA’s direct supports to people with a disability.
Conclusion
Hearing augmentation is a vital element of inclusive infrastructure for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
By incorporating technologies like hearing loops, the Games can ensure equitable access for all attendees, creating a truly inclusive event that reflects global accessibility standards.
We urge decision-makers to prioritise hearing augmentation in the planning and execution of the Games.
[1] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/deafness-and-hearing-loss
[2] https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hearing-loss
[3] https://www.phrp.com.au/issues/december-2021-volume-31-issue-5/putting-age-related-hearing-loss-on-the-public-health-agenda-in-australia/
[4] https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2004A04426/2018-04-12/text
[5] https://social.desa.un.org/issues/disability/crpd/convention-on-the-rights-of-persons-with-disabilities-crpd
[6] https://www.disabilitygateway.gov.au/ads/strategy
[7] https://www.dcssds.qld.gov.au/campaign/queenslands-disability-plan/about-plan/queenslands-disability-plan-2022-27
[8] https://bhabrisbane.org.au/hearing-loops-accessibility/
[9] https://bhabrisbane.org.au/hearing-loops-tmr-customer-centres/