Oct 11, 2022, Westmeath Independent: Autism friendly space to be provided in Athlone Library by early 2023 https://www.westmeathindependent.ie/2022/10/11/autism-friendly-space-to-be-provided-in-athlone-library-by-early-2023/
A new autism friendly space is to be provided in Athlone Library early next year. The news follows Cllr Paul Hogan's calls on the council to implement initiatives to make Athlone more autism and disability friendly.
Barry Kehoe, Director of Services for Westmeath County Council, said he would support anything that they could do to make the town more inclusive.
“We've appointed a consultant to prepare a design that will go to tender with a view to having it in place in early 2023. The location is in the basement of the building here (Athlone library) in the area that was potentially earmarked for a creche which never materialised,” said Mr Kehoe.
Cllr Hogan said: “We need to be a lot more sensory aware. We're talking about 15% of the population that have a disability. It shouldn't be specific to footpaths. It's much wider than that.”…
Cllr Vinny McCormack fully supported the motion saying: “It should be a consideration in projects. It's a good idea to invite the autism society into the chamber to help guide us in projects.”…
Athlone Civic Centre, where the library is situated.
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