Dear Champion 

I’m reaching out to you as Chairperson Donna Phelan from the Maynooth Autism-Friendly Town Committee.

Did you know that about 3% of our town’s people are Autistic? Autism is something you’re born with that affects how you talk to others, behave, and understand the world around you. But just like everyone else, Autistic people have skills and talents. However, they face challenges doing everyday things like shopping, using buses, or joining clubs. This means they and their families miss out on fun activities. It also means our town misses out on their unique viewpoints and contributions.

But here’s where you come in. We’re aiming to make Maynooth an Autism-Friendly Town, where everyone feels included. AsIAm, an Autism charity in Ireland, has a special award for towns like ours.

We’re looking for Autism-Friendly Champions, like you, who can make small changes in their organisations to help Autistic people feel more comfortable. It could be something as simple as having a quiet room or using pictures to show what to expect. Many businesses and groups across Ireland have already joined in.

If you sign up, we’ll provide training for your team in the first year. Then, in the following years, we’ll work together to make practical changes, like quiet areas and visual guides. We’ll also promote your involvement through social media and other channels.

Becoming an Autism-Friendly Town won’t just make life better for Autistic people and their families. It’ll also show that Maynooth is a welcoming place for everyone, including visitors.

We’d really appreciate it if you’d consider joining us in this important effort. To get started, all we need is a simple “yes,” and we’ll fill you in on the next steps.

If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch. Thank you for taking the time to think about our request.

Best wishes,

Donna Phelan

Chairperson

Maynooth Autism-Friendly Town Committee

For more information about how you can make a difference and get involved please contact us at: autismfriendlytownmaynooth@gmail.com