Nov 30, 2022, Meath Chronicle: Dunshaughlin joins Autism-Friendly Towns Programme https://www.meathchronicle.ie/2022/11/30/dunshaughlin-joins-autism-friendly-towns-programme/
Dunshaughlin has joined AsIAm’s Autism Friendly Towns Programme for 2022/23, an initiative that brings communities together to work to increase accessibility, understanding and acceptance for Autistic people in towns across Ireland.
AsIAm work with communities to build infrastructure and support to make their town more inclusive and ultimately autism friendly. The initiative, launched in 2018, sees towns seek accreditation by providing the necessary tools and measures that include reducing sensory simulation and undertaking staff training to improve understanding of autism across local businesses, clubs and schools. Currently Autistic people across Ireland face significant barriers with only 40% of Irish people claiming to have a ‘good’ understanding of Autism whilst 60% of people associate negative connotations with Autism. Autism Research AsIAm…
…This year 19 towns* have signed up to the programme where they will recruit a certain percentage of businesses, public services, and voluntary and sporting organizations in their towns as “Autism-Friendly Champions”.
Commenting on the launch of the programme, Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm said: “I am delighted to formally launch our Autism-Friendly Towns programme for 2022/23. This programme will not only help to improve access for Autistic people in day-to-day life but create supporting and accepting environments which will benefit many people within the community and promote local business and tourism….
“The Autism-Friendly Towns Programme is being supported by a private philanthropist and has secured funding for the next 3 years.
For parents, educators, community members and those who want to learn more about Autism then the annual AsIAm National Conference on the 4th February at The Grand Hotel, Malahide is the perfect event to learn more. Tickets are priced €80.93 and can be purchased at Eventbrite.ie – spaces are limited so people are advised to book asap.
