Ballygar begins journey to becoming autism friendly town
A LARGE crowd descended on the Mattie McDonagh Centre for the launch of the Ballygar Autism Friendly Town Initiative.
The nationwide initiative developed by autism charity AsIAm empowers cities, towns and villages across Ireland to become genuinely inclusive of autistic people and their families.
The launch was an opportunity to meet new people, learn about autism awareness, and support the Ballygar community as it begins its journey to becoming an Autism Friendly Town.
“It has been a great pleasure to be part of this project since June, which was established after the idea was shared with us by a family member on the Ballygar Regeneration Committee,” Grainne Muldoon Reilly, Chair of the Autism Friendly Town Committee told The Tuam Herald.
“They were asking for more possibilities for autistic people and their families here in Ballygar. A public meeting of interested people was organised and many present went on to become the committee steering the Autism Friendly Town initiative here.
“We are all delighted to be part of this campaign. We are all community people interested in inclusion, giving everyone the same chance. It was great to see such a big crowd attending our launch.”
Autism-friendly champions
Several guest speakers were in attendance including Adam Harris, the former CEO of AsIAm, Roscommon GAA fanatic and barber Paddy Joe Burke, and Dr Sinead Kenneally, a Clinical Psychologist who herself is Autistic.
While all insightful, the main message Grainne hoped to get across was why businesses, sports clubs and service providers should come on board and become autism-friendly champions.
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Rebecca Egan, Adam Harris, founder and Former CEO of AsIAm, and Grainne Muldoon Reilly, Chairperson of the Ballygar Autism Friendly Town Committee.Image 2 of 6
Hayden and Saibh Naughton, local musicans, entertaining the crowds during the launch of the Ballygar Autism Friendly Town Initiative.Image 3 of 6
Grainne Muldoon Reilly and Dr Sinead Conneely in conversation during the luanch of the Ballygar Autism Friendly Town Intiative.Image 4 of 6
Ciaran Egan, Rebecca Egan and Grainne Muldoon Reilly at the launch of the Ballygar Autism Friendly Initiative.Image 5 of 6
Rebecca Egan, Ballygar Autism Friendly Town Committee PRO, Ciaran Egan, Treasurer Ballygar Autism Friendly Town Committee, Cllr Alan Harney, Grainne Muldoon Reilly, Ballygar Autism Friendly Town Committee Chairperson and Shiela Small, Ballygar Autism Friendly Town Committee Secretary at the launch of the Ballygar Autism Friendly Town Initiative.Image 6 of 6
Ballygar Autism Friendly Town Committee members Rebecca and Ciaran Egan alongside their son Jack at the launch of the Ballygar Autism Friendly Town Initiative.“Becoming an autism-friendly champion is about being open to doing things differently. Be it preparing for new members with autism that join your clubs, helping people navigate your business with extra signage telling people where to find items, or giving people more eye contact and talking slow when they call your service,” Grainne explained.
Her words at the launch clearly made a difference, as over 40 people attended the first autism-friendly champion training session on Tuesday (Nov 3). A second session is planned before Christmas. Any groups interested in participating do not need to be experts in autism, as AsIAm will be there to offer support.
“It is important to note that Ballygar wasn’t being unwelcoming up to now. It is quite the opposite, we have a long history of people looking out for one another,” added Grainne.
“Be it in family homes, in our neighbourhoods or in in our local services and businesses, there was already people doing great work. This is about building on what’s already great in Ballygar whilst being willing to notice what we might be able to do better for those with autism.
“We are inviting people to look up our social media page, send us an email if you want to sign up as a champion. We are hopeful more local community groups will take part in the next training session,” she concluded.