Waterford took home the Innovative Campaign Award at the Autism Friendly Town Awards 2024.
Held by AsIAm, Ireland's Autism Charity, the award ceremony took place at the Aisling Hotel in Dublin, where Maynooth received the AsIAm Autism Friendly Town Award 2024.
This is an annual event in which communities across Ireland are awarded for following a series of principles aimed at fostering Autism inclusion and empowerment.
Targets and aims
Waterford achieved several targets set by AsIAm Autism Friendly Towns. These include recruiting and training Autism champions within the community and developing an accessible website for their local community.
Maoliosa Ní Chleirigh, Chairperson of Waterford Autism Friendly Town Committee said: “Waterford has made a number of positive changes to become a more inclusive and supportive environment for our Autistic community. This is something we will continue to deliver on in years to come, via the steps outlined in our three year plan.”
Adam Harris, CEO AsIAm, added: “It’s great to see another town take such massive strides towards becoming a more inclusive and empowering community. The new principles adopted by Waterford 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. These include embarking on a three-year charter inclusion plan, staff training and organising Autism friendly events.
Special Recognition Awards
In addition to Waterford’s win, four other communities also received Special Recognition Awards during the ceremony. These are:
- Inclusive Club Award - NIRP Autism Friendly Town Committee
- Community Education Award - NIRP Autism Friendly Town Committee
- Inclusive Events Award - Castlebar Autism Friendly Town Committee
- Community Engagement Award - Sligo Autism Friendly Town Committee
- Sensory Accessibility Award - Lusk Autism Friendly Town Committee
AsIAm Autism Friendly Town Awards criteria was 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.
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