Dublin plans to become world’s first Autism-friendly capital city
Published on 6th November 2023
A new initiative that will see Dublin become the first autism-friendly capital city in the world was announced by The Lord Mayor of Dublin Daithí de Róiste today, at the launch of Inclusion and Integration Week. This will be achieved through participation in the AsIAm Autism-Friendly Communities Awards Programme.
The Lord Mayor is establishing a steering group comprising of the Lord Mayor of Dublin, elected officials, stakeholders, advocacy groups, those with lived experience, parents and academics and the group will carry out four public events between now and Christmas to discuss the formation of a plan, what should be included, what metrics should be set and how it will be managed.
The four events will also cover:
- Overarching goals for the city
- Build landscape
- Public awareness and understanding
- Individual sectors
“In a world where diversity and inclusivity are celebrated, Dublin’s vision is to become the world's first capital city to be designated autism friendly,” said the Lord Mayor. “In a vibrant and dynamic city known for its rich history and cultural heritage, we envision a Dublin that not only recognises, but actively nurtures the unique abilities and talents of its autistic residents and visitors. To truly champion inclusivity, we are planting a flag in the ground to embark on a journey to create a city where autistic individuals and their families feel welcomed, supported, and fully engaged in every aspect of city life.”
A three-year plan for Dublin to become an autism-friendly city will be launched in January 2024. The plan will not only address physical infrastructure but also take into account education, healthcare, recreation and community support, all guided by input from Autistic people and their families and supported by key metrics. In addition to the development of the plan, the city will also recruit Champion organisations, in the business, public and voluntary sectors, who will undertake training and commit to making small changes, such as implementing quiet times.
Responding to the announcement, Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm, Ireland's Autism Charity, said "We are over the moon that the Lord Mayor has set Dublin the challenge of becoming an Autism-Friendly capital city, through participation in our awards programme. Autistic people face barriers in society that others don't even see. This initiative, through both small individual changes and a big collective vision, will help ensure that every Autistic person living in Dublin has the same chance to live, work and play. Being an Autism Friendly City not only means making day to day activities such as shopping or engaging with public services easier for those of us who are Autistic, it sends a valuable message that everyone is valued and welcome and the positive impact of that sense of belonging, for everyone who lives in Dublin, cannot be underestimated.”
The announcement of the initiative for Dublin to become the first autism-friendly capital city in the world is a key flagship event of Inclusion and Integration Week 2023. The aim of the week is to highlight the positive work carried out by Dublin City Council and other agencies to promote social inclusion, integration and diversity in our city. The week’s events are organised by Dublin City Council’s Housing and Community Services Department working collaboratively with a range of delivery partners.
More information about the week is available from www.dublincityinclusion.ie. #DublinCityInclusion23
ENDS
Notes to the Editor:
The four events will discuss:
- Overarching goals for the City
This should set out the main goals to be achieved
- How will you combat the stigma surrounding autism?
- How will you improve understanding and acceptance of autism amongst the general public in Dublin?
- How will you make it easier for Autistic individuals to live and work in Dublin?
- How will you improve employment and social opportunities for autistic individuals?
- Build landscape
This will cover the city environment - including any changes in the physical structure that may be required.
- Availability of sensory rooms in public spaces of high footfall.
- Provision of sensory spaces across parks, libraries and other public infrastructure.
- How will facilities become autism-friendly?
- What sensory installations can you put in place to improve the quality of life of an autistic person and their families?
- What organisations do you need to join up with to make this happen?
- Public Awareness & Understanding
How to keep Autism on the City agenda.
- Will you have an Autism Acceptance Day? Who will facilitate this?
- Will you build partnerships? If so, with who?
- Will you hold annual events? Be specific. How will these be publicised?
- Examples could include talks, seminars or sensory friendly events
- How will you utilise technology?
- Will you have an annual meeting to review progress on the plan?
- How will you reach 15% of the City’s population in Year 1 and 25% by Year 3
- Individual Sectors
This concentrates on how the City will fulfil the Autism Champions quotas.
- When and how will you concentrate on specific sectors?
- What year will your committee prioritise sensory accommodations?
- What year will your committee prioritise visual supports?
- How will you go about delivering training?
- How will you support Champions to maintain their training and accessibility measures?
- How will you engage employers?
How to become an Autism-Friendly City
For a city to becomes An Autism-Friendly City, it must under its three-year plan, recruit the required champions. For a City that is a minimum each year of :
20 public services
20 voluntary organisations
20 businesses
Where autism champions from each organisation undertake training and commit to creating plans within their own organisations on inclusion and accessibility and report on same to the steering group. The steering group will then apply annually for re-accreditation under the awards.
The city also has to run the events that will be agreed under the plan, as well as the education campaigns.
Dublin City Council Social Inclusion Unit
Dublin City Council’s Social Inclusion Section works actively in the development and promotion of social inclusion initiatives, events, projects and programmes throughout Dublin city. The work of the Social Inclusion Section is guided by Dublin City Council’s Corporate Plan 2020-2024.
Aims of the Social Inclusion Section include:
- Highlighting the positive work that Dublin City Council and other agencies are involved in to reduce social exclusion and poverty
- Promoting an understanding of inclusion in Dublin city
- Celebrating diversity across the city
The Social Inclusion Section works closely and in partnership with:
- Community and voluntary groups
- Non-government organisations
- State agencies and social partners
- Dublin City Public Participation Network
- Other Dublin City Council departments and sections
Some of the work of the Social Inclusion Section can be seen by the following actions:
- Diverse community initiatives
- Social inclusion Week
Contact: [email protected]