Working to make Castlebar official autism-friendly town
CASTLEBAR is bidding to become the first official autism-friendly town in the northwest region.
The designation will be a boost for families and also the local economy and a whole of the community drive is underway to achieve it.
Small changes like lighting and noise in shops can make a big difference for autistic people and their families going about daily life.
Sports and community clubs, education and healthcare settings are other areas where inclusivity is key and there are already leaders in the locality, such as Manulla Football Club.
The Castlebar Autism-Friendly Town group have plans to develop a sensory garden, and next Christmas children will enjoy visiting a sensory Santa. They want to see people with autism getting jobs and are working with some organisations on work experience.
The group have already shown they are leaders, staging the country's first ever autism-friendly St. Patrick's Day parade this year.
Committee members John Page and Máirtín Ó Moráin received the backing of local councillors when they gave a presentation at a Castlebar Municipal District meeting.
Mr. Page said they were trying to make life a bit easier for the 2,000 people with an autism diagnosis in Mayo. And there are many more who remain undiagnosed.
Their aim is to raise awareness and understanding among the community, organisations and facilities. Training is available online through the national autism body AsIAm.
As well as making life easier for people, accreditation would make Castlebar an attractive and accessible place for people with sensory needs to visit and holiday in.
Castlebar, he added, is the only town in the northwest actively pursuing the accreditation.
Elected members gave a commitment to support their work in any way they can.
Councillor Donna Sheridan highlighted initiatives such as the communication boards that had been installed at the playground in Balla.
“Sometimes we need to be told what we can do to make every place more inclusive,” she said. “Educate us on what we can do to assist.”
Councillor Ger Deere said it was in their power to help change lives, as well as boosting the local economy by having a town where people can say they can go there as a family.
When you spoke to families of an autistic person, they had to plan and resource their days. This could make it so much easier for them.
The initiative was described as 'a brilliant idea' by Councillor Blackie Gavin. Castlebar has the facilities; they needed a plan.
* Follow Castlebar Autism Friendly Town on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/autismfriendlycbar