New social stories to prepare for a Parliament House experience

To support a positive experience for all visitors to Parliament House, the Parliament of Victoria has worked closely with Aspect Victoria, Amaze and Aspergers Victoria to produce two new social stories.

Social stories were first developed in 1991 by teacher Carol Grey, and since then they have been used in many circumstances to explain social situations to people with Autism and to help learn about what to expect in new situations. Social stories can be written about social situations, for example going to the supermarket or the doctors. However, in recent years, many galleries, museums and cultural intuitions have used social stories to help people feel more comfortable when visiting for the first time.   

The Victorian parliament’s social stories provide information and answers to key questions by guiding visitors through what to expect, from arrival at the front steps, the security check-in, visiting the chambers and leaving the building. 

One story is written for visitors of all ages while the other is tailored for school visits and includes additional information about things such as our Parliamentary role plays. Both social stories are available as a resource in the teach and learn section of our website, and on the accessibility tab at the bottom of all our visit pages. 

These stories can be read online or downloaded and printed. You can also bring them with you on your visit. If you would like to see more of the building before you arrive, our virtual tour  is a great way to explore and see some of the areas not open to the public, such as the roof restoration. 

If you have any accessibility requirements when visiting Parliament House, please contact our Tours and Customer Service Unit on (03) 9651 8568 or tours@parliament.vic.gov.au.