The Blue Hour returns to 100 Unicomm Group stores for a more inclusive shopping experience

The Blue Hour, the initiative dedicated to people with autism spectrum disorder which, on the last Tuesday of every month, involves 100 stores of the Unicomm Group under the Emi, Emisfero and Famila banners.

A more welcoming environment

Today from 16 to 18, as on the last Tuesday of every month, inside the supermarkets, the lighting is dimmed, the music and sounds are softened and simple measures are adopted to make the shopping experience more accessible to people with autism spectrum disorder and their families. The project takes its name from the blue, the symbolic colour of World Autism Awareness Day which is observed every 2 April, and was created through collaboration between the Unicomm Group, Angsa Nazionale, Asperger Nazionale, parents’ associations and the Autism Support Desks operating in the various areas.

An inclusive monthly event

Launched on 2 April 2019, the Blue Hour has gradually become a monthly event dedicated to inclusion. Supermarkets are places characterised by numerous visual and auditory stimuli: bright lights, music, announcements, chatter and background noise, which can be perceived more intensely by people with sensory hypersensitivity, making even an everyday activity such as grocery shopping difficult.

“With the Blue Hour,” explains Giancarlo Paola, CEO of Gmf and Commercial Director of the Unicomm Group “we are thus relaunching a project that, through simple yet meaningful actions, brings inclusion into everyday life. Reducing lights and noise for two hours may seem like a small measure, but for people with autism spectrum disorder and their families it represents tangible support. Extending the initiative to 100 stores means maintaining continuity in a commitment that involves local communities and promotes a culture of welcome, listening and respect for different needs. As well as facilitating access to stores, the project helps to raise awareness of the different ways in which autism can manifest itself and of the importance of creating environments and services capable of meeting everyone’s needs.”

This article was translated from the original Italian version with the assistance of artificial intelligence. In case of discrepancies, please refer to the original Italian version.