Maynooth Celebrates Becoming Ireland’s Second Ever
AsIAm Autism Friendly Town
Friday 19 th April: Maynooth has marked its new status as an AsIAm Autism Friendly Town, following an event held in Maynooth Community College today. Awarded by AsIAm, Irelands National Autism Charity, Maynooth has officially received AsIAm Autism Friendly Town accreditation, becoming the first town to be awarded the title since Clonakilty, Co. Cork, in 2018.
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. Maynooth town took home the top prize at this year’s ceremony, becoming the first community to do so in the last 5 years. The celebratory event, held in Maynooth Community College, was attended by members of Maynooth’s Autism Friendly Town (MAFT) Committee, MAFT’s Hangout Club members and their families, volunteers, local stakeholders, and representatives from AsIAm, including CEO Adam Harris.
To qualify, Maynooth town satisfied several criteria outlined by AsIAm to earn its accreditation. This includes recruiting and training Autism Champions within the community, launching social Hangout Clubs for autistic children, teenagers, and adults, raising funds for a sensory garden, as well as running autism friendly events, such as a sensory Santa experience and a quiet zone at the town’s St. Patrick’s Day parade. Speaking about the town’s win, Donna Phelan, Chairperson of Maynooth’s Autism Friendly Town Committee said: “Today is a proud day for Maynooth as we celebrate the positive changes our community has made over the last year to empower autistic individuals. From recruiting autism champions to hosting inclusive local events, we’re committed to creating inclusive and supportive environments that fully support our autistic community.” Committee members, Donna Phelan, Aislinn Price, Mairéad McHale, Mary Dunne, Anthonine Fahy, and Seán Dunne, spoke about the wonderful support from the community, in particular, Maynooth Community College and the many businesses and individuals who donate goods/services, and volunteer their time to support the work of MAFT.
Adam Harris, CEO AsIAm, added: “I am delighted to share in today’s community celebrations as Maynooth becomes the second Autism Friendly Town in the country. Maynooth’s commitment to inclusion is a hugely positive step and will no doubt make a transformative difference to the autistic community’s day-to-day lives.” AsIAm Autism Friendly Town Awards criteria has been created in response to the barriers to inclusion faced by Autistic individuals in their local community, such as communication, predictability and control, sensory processing, and judgement.
