(Ireland) Buncrana working to become 'Autism Friendly Town'
Local community groups, business owners, educators, and residents turned out in massive numbers at the Inishowen Gateway Hotel on Wednesday night to officially launch Buncrana’s ambitious bid to become a nationally accredited Autism Friendly Town.
The landmark initiative is being spearheaded by iCARE (Inishowen Children's Autism Related Education) in partnership with AsIAm, Ireland’s National Autism Charity.
They said the overwhelming turnout from all sectors of the community signals a powerful, unified commitment to breaking down barriers and making Buncrana an even more inclusive and welcoming environment for autistic individuals and their families.
Keynote speaker William Nestor, Autism Friendly Towns Manager with AsIAm, praised the exceptional groundwork already laid by the community.
He stated: "I am so impressed with what Buncrana has already achieved in terms of awareness, engagement and support of its autistic community.
"It is well on its way to becoming an accredited autism friendly town to join the likes of Maynooth and Clonakilty.
"AsIAm is looking forward to working with thevBuncrana Autism Friendly Towns Committee on developing a town plan, in consultation with the autism community and key stakeholders. . . .
"Small changes make massive differences, whether it is sensory shopping hours, quiet spaces or visual guides, it all makes life easier for those individuals and their families.
"We are recruiting Autism Friendly Town Champions who will undertake specialised training to make their physical spaces and services more inclusive, accessible and welcoming for autistic people. . . .
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