(Ireland) Sligo now an "autism friendly town"; 'we're thrilled'

Feb 27, 2024, Independent: Award for Sligo for its efforts at becoming an autism friendly town  https://m.independent.ie/regionals/sligo/news/award-for-sligo-for-its-efforts-at-becoming-an-autism-friendly-town/a801568685.html 

Sligo has received an Autism Friendly Town Award..

Held by AsIAm, Ireland's Autism Charity, the award ceremony took place in Dublin, where Maynooth received the AsIAm Autism Friendly Town Award 2024 and five other communities, including Sligo, were acknowledged with Special Recognition Awards.

The AsIAm Autism Friendly Town Awards is an annual event in which communities across Ireland are awarded for following a series of principles aimed at fostering Autism inclusion and empowerment in local communities.

Sligo town achieved several targets set by AsIAm Autism Friendly Towns, including recruiting and training a significant number of Autism champions within the community and running autism friendly events, such a run for Autism and an Autism awareness breakfast event.

Speaking about the town’s win, Brendan Kieley, Chairperson of Sligo Autism Friendly Town Committee said: “From recruiting Autism champions to organising several Autism-friendly events within the community, Sligo town has made a commitment to supporting Autistic residents and we’re thrilled this commitment has been recognised and honoured by AsIAm.”

Adam Harris, CEO AsIAm, said: “It’s great to see another town take such massive strides towards becoming a more inclusive and empowering community.

 “The new principles adopted by Sligo town will improve access for Autistic people in day-to-day life, create supporting and accepting environments within the community and promote local business and tourism.”

All towns awarded this week achieved several key targets set out by AsIAm, including embarking on a three-year charter inclusion plan, staff training and organising Autism friendly events, among other principles that support acceptance and participation of Autistic people in their towns.