Council to adopt ‘Autism framework’

The move will aim to improve training and accessibility throughout Council facilities to support those in the autism community.

The motion was brought forward by councillor Cheryl Johnston and seconded by councillor Julie Frew.

Councillor Johnston, said: “Autism is currently the fastest growing disability in Europe with a 69 per cent increase in diagnosis rates in Northern Ireland, there is no better time to show our support for the autism community.

“It is a necessity that we act now to cater for everyone, and promote best practice and social inclusion as a council.

“Children on the Autism spectrum often share certain difficulties, such as struggling to understand unwritten social rules and managing change, but it affects each individual differently, presenting a varying degree of conditions that must be understood and recognised.”

Councillor Johnston went on to explain about Northern Ireland’s autism charity, Autism NI and that it had developed the Impact Awards to help organisations create a more ‘autism friendly environment’.

Through attaining an Impact Award, Council can confidently cater for over 30,000 autistic individuals and their families in Northern Ireland that may have previously been excluded in some shape or form.

It will equip Council to better understand and enhance the environment of any staff and visitors and their families with autism.

Councillor Johnston, said: “As a Council our aim must be to ensure that every person with autism feels welcome and comfortable accessing the range of services and facilities offered.”

Councillor Frew, who seconded the motion, said: “This motion and subsequent impacts will help Council create an even more autism friendly environment for residents and visitors.

“It will bring confidence for residents but also to Council and Council staff with quality assured training that embeds the processes of accessibility, this surely should be at the forefront of everything we do.

“It will be a high and valuable asset for our involvement in Arts, culture and leisure providing a strong and confident service to all residents irrespective of disabilities.”

The main components of this community planning action, which is being led by Northern Health and Social Care Trust (NHSCT) in partnership with Mid and East Antrim Council, includes developing and implementing awareness of autism to develop the borough as an autism friendly place.

Council also aims to secure an Autism Friendly Organisation status as a model for other Community Planning Partners, and they wish to promote recognition and use of the JAM (Just a Minute) Card for businesses and services in the borough.

As part of the Impact Award, nine ‘Autism Champions’ will be trained within Council and it is hoped that these individuals will cascade their learning to other colleagues.

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