Maynooth Secures Top Prize At Autism Friendly Town Awards 2024

Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm, hailed Maynooth's achievements as a testament to the town's dedication to inclusivity and empowerment.

Maynooth town has emerged victorious at the Autism Friendly Town Awards 2024, clinching the top award in recognition of its efforts in fostering inclusivity and empowerment for individuals with autism.

Organised by AsIAm, Ireland's Autism Charity, the award ceremony was held at the Aisling Hotel in Dublin, where Maynooth was lauded as the standout recipient.

Additionally, five other communities were commended with Special Recognition Awards.

The AsIAm Autism Friendly Town Awards is an annual event that celebrates communities across Ireland for adhering to a set of principles geared towards nurturing autism inclusion and empowerment within local settings.

Maynooth town demonstrated remarkable progress in meeting the prescribed targets to earn accreditation as an AsIAm Autism Friendly Town.

These achievements include the recruitment and training of Autism champions within the community, the establishment of hangouts tailored for autistic adults, fundraising endeavors for a sensory garden, and the organisation of autism-friendly events such as sensory Santa experiences and designated quiet zones during town festivities like St. Patrick’s Day parades.

Donna Phelan, Chairperson of Maynooth’s Autism Friendly Town Committee, expressed her elation at the town's win, emphasising the significant positive changes implemented across various facets of community life.

She underscored Maynooth's ongoing commitment to inclusivity and support for the autistic community.

Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm, hailed Maynooth's achievements as a testament to the town's dedication to inclusivity and empowerment.

He highlighted the transformative impact of Maynooth's adoption of new principles, which promise to enhance access, create supportive environments, and bolster local business and tourism.

All towns honoured at the ceremony had demonstrated substantial progress in meeting key targets outlined by AsIAm.

These milestones include the implementation of three-year charter inclusion plans, staff training initiatives, and the organisation of autism-friendly events aimed at fostering acceptance and participation among autistic individuals.

In addition to Maynooth's triumph, five other communities received Special Recognition Awards, each for their outstanding contributions in specific categories such as inclusive clubs, community education, inclusive events, community engagement, sensory accessibility, and innovative campaigns.

These communities are NIRP Autism Friendly Town Committee, Castlebar Autism Friendly Town Committee, Sligo Autism Friendly Town Committee, Lusk Autism Friendly Town Committee, and Waterford Autism Friendly Town Committee.