Autism Friendly Dungarvan received the ‘Inclusive Event’ Award at the AsIAm Autism Friendly Towns Awards 2026 in Dublin City Hall yesterday evening.
The award is in recognition of their collaboration with Waterford Festival of Food.
Judges said the partnership shows what’s possible when a community comes together with inclusion at its heart and was described as “really outstanding and impactful”.
“With the Festival of Food taking place again this weekend, we are so proud to see the wide range of accommodations continuing on with both awareness and understanding being increased in our community,” said Faith Tutty from Autism Friendly Dungarvan.
“These small but meaningful changes make such a huge difference and help ensure more people and families can access and enjoy everything the festival has to offer.”
She continued: “This award represents so much more than one event — it reflects the heart, commitment, progress and belief that inclusion truly matters. It’s about listening to autistic voices, valuing lived experience, and creating environments that work for everyone. We are so proud to stand alongside inspiring towns across Ireland proving that change is possible. To Eunice, Mary, Martha and the entire team at Festival of Food this award is yours too. Thanks Autastic for all your help too. We’re grateful for our committee and community.”
Anita Murray from Autism Friendly Dungarvan outlined more about the initiatives which they engaged in.
“It was so much more than just the accommodations that were offered at the festival,” she said.
“After embarking on our first Autism Friendly Family Farm Bus Tour it was so successful we are running it again this year and are fully booked out again. This year’s festival keeps in place the accommodations that were made for the first time in 2025.”
She added: “Our bigger future goal is to make Dungarvan an Autism Friendly Town by making small but impact full changes. We want 30 Autism Friendly Champions from Dungarvan town – we are well on our way to achieving that.”
Anyone interested in getting involved can visit autismfriendlydungarvan.ie
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