Mastercard Launches Inclusion Hub to Help Businesses Adapt for Autistic Australians

Event summary

  • Mastercard launched the Inclusion Hub on February 18, 2026, featuring 25 practical measures for businesses to adapt for autistic Australians.
  • The initiative includes Sensory Notes, a detailed menu description tool piloted at the Australian Open and The Mulberry Group's Hazel Melbourne.
  • The Inclusion Hub was co-designed with Autism CRC, involving direct input from autistic people, families, and professionals.
  • Mastercard plans to make participating businesses discoverable through a consumer directory as the initiative scales.

The big picture

Mastercard's Inclusion Hub initiative aligns with broader industry trends toward digital-first innovation and inclusivity by design. By co-designing the hub with Autism CRC and piloting Sensory Notes in high-profile venues, Mastercard is positioning itself as a leader in creating accessible environments. The initiative could set a new standard for how businesses adapt to the needs of neurodiverse customers, potentially influencing global hospitality and retail practices.

What we're watching

Adoption Pace
How quickly businesses will register and implement the Inclusion Hub measures.
Consumer Impact
Whether the Sensory Notes and other inclusivity measures will significantly improve dining experiences for autistic Australians.
Scalability
The pace at which Mastercard can expand the Inclusion Hub beyond Australia.

Related topics

Partnership