Meeting Held On Autism-Friendly Initiative For Tralee

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Attending the meeting in The Rose Hotel last night were Jean Foley, Kerry County Council; Dr Susan Lawlor; Mayor of Tralee Jim Finucane; Adam Harris of ‘As I Am’; Jack Dowey and Jimmy Adams. Photo by Dermot Crean

THERE was a public meeting held in The Rose Hotel last night to help Tralee on its journey to be to becoming an Autism-Friendly town.

Guest speaker and CEO of ‘As I Am’ — the Autism advocacy organisation — Adam Harris, was there and offered an insight into the initiative launched in Tralee, the importance of an Autism Friendly Town and much more.

There was also an opportunity for Q&A with guest speakers and members of the panel on the night.

Continued below…

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The town-wide programme was launched in Tralee to encourage parents, friends, businesses and organisations to engage in a new initiative to promote Tralee as an Autism-Friendly Town.

‘AsIAm’ is working with Garveys SuperValu Store to make Tralee town more accessible and inclusive.

As part of the initiative, Tralee town will have representatives from various sectors, businesses, organisations and voluntary groups that will participate in training and organisational changes in order to receive Autism-friendly accreditation.

To achieve accreditation the following criteria must be fulfilled. The Tralee ‘AsIAm’ group must engage, train and gain the support of 20-50% of Public Services, Hospitality, Retail, Sports and Leisure, Education and Voluntary Organisations.

The training and change model involves showcasing and implementing steps such as Autism friendly times in store, create a calm environment where sensory stimulation is reduced by diming lighting, not using PA systems, visual aids/maps instore.

Businesses may be able to offer sensory boxes on request if someone is struggling with sensory issues, display a sticker or notice at the entrance of the premises to advise /alert the public of autism friendly times and to be aware of autism friendly hours, recognise the importance of assistance dogs and develop visual aids/stories in stores and town.

One Comment

  1. TonyO Donovan says:

    Good afternoon first can I say that I am delighted to hear Tralee becoming Autism friendly. My question is did the Alf Trolley for children with Autism in supervalu Tralee get a mention.

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