Mid and East Antrim Council developing ‘autism friendly environment’

The local authority passed a motion to adopt the ‘impact award framework’ from Autism NI, improving training and accessibility throughout council facilities to support those in the autism community.

Councillor Cheryl Johnston, who proposed the motion, said: “Autism is currently the fastest growing disability in Europe with a 69% 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.”

She went on to explain that Autism NI has 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 previously may have been excluded previously 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.

Cllr Johnston added that council’s aim must be to ensure that every person with autism feels welcome and comfortable accessing the range of services and facilities offered.

Councillor Julie Frew, who seconded the motion, said: “This motion and subsequent action 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.”

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