Maynooth Community College have not only signed up for the AsIAm schools programme but they gave set up their own school committee with students and staff called “The Infinity Group”
The Infinity Group was established in April of 2023, it is formed by a group of both neurodiverse and neurodivergent staff and students at the school. Their aim is to make Maynooth Community College a more inclusive environment for autistic people and to create awareness and ultimately acceptance of the autistic community in their school. In their first year of being a new advocacy group this phenomenal bunch of people have conducted awareness campaigns around commonly held misconceptions of Autism, they have held fundraising events that are authentically inclusive and have held pilot education schemes for First Year students in 2023-2024. This group has created safe spaces, and sensory-friendly areas to meet the needs of all students who attend Maynooth Community College. Looking forward, the Infinity Group plans to focus more on sensory issues that face many neurodiverse students and advocate for change that adequately supports neurodiversity in schools and to also insist that these supports be reflected their school’s policies and procedures.
This page will keep you up to date on the amazing work they are doing in the school
To Infinity and Beyond 25-26
This year the Infinity Group continues to lead the way in promoting inclusion, understanding and student voice. This term, the group showcased their work during the school’s open evening, where visitors were introduced to the use of JAM Cards (of differing diagnosis or or undiagnosed conditions) and designated quiet spaces. These supports helped families see how MCC creates a calm, accessible environment for students who benefit from reduced sensory input or clear communication tools. Students showed 5th and 6th class students the areas using colour coded maps.
Students also took part in the World Dyslexia Advocate event. They explored how dyslexia can affect learning, examined different processing styles and discussed practical strategies that promote confidence and independence. Following this, tutor groups completed short information sessions to deepen whole-school understanding of dyslexia and the importance of supporting diverse learners- these were run by the group.
Looking ahead, the Infinity Group is planning a festive-themed awareness morning. Instead of a traditional coffee morning, there will be hot chocolate and Christmas cookies alongside information on how the Christmas season can be overwhelming for Autistic people. The aim is to build empathy, provide strategies for supporting others and create a warm, inclusive community event for students.
