AsIAm are happy to recognise ATU Sligo as the Ireland’s first Autism Friendly Campus of a Tech nological University, an achievement marked by a launch held on campus on Wednesday 7th December.
The launch was attended by Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm, Daire Martin, President of ATU Sligo Student Union, Una Parsons, Head of College, Dr Michele Glacken, Registrar & VP Students, Teaching & Learning, with a Welcome from Dr Shelley Brady and Linda Mulligan. Adam Harris was welcomed ATU Sligo into the fold
“We are so delighted to recognise ATU Sligo as a recipient of our Autism-Friendly University Award. This Award recognises the commitment of ATU to implementing a whole of campus approach to autism accessibility through our principle framework. The team in ATU Sligo have created an ambitious 3 year plan to ensure that Autistic students have the same chance to attend the university, excel there and access employment upon completing their studies. A central aspect of the Award is ensuring an inclusive operational environment for autistic students and staff.
"ATU Sligo is the first technological university, and the first HEI in the west of Ireland to achieve this high standard. We look forward to working with the university in the years ahead in removing barriers to higher education for the autism community”
Continued investment in the ongoing process has been a large part of ATU Sligo’s commitment, including the appointment of Linda Mulligan as the Inclusion Support Worker to support the ATU Sligo neurodiverse student body.
There have also been important changes to the physical environment of the university, including the Regulation Station, the college now also provide virtual tours of the campus, and are currently developing sensory maps of the main public areas in conjunction with studentss.
ATU Sligo staff and students have embarked upon an important training journey, and are committed to continually raising autism acceptance in the ATU Sligo and wider community. Central to this is the development of the Neurodivergent Society and an Ambassadors’ Group. ATU Sligo have also partnered with Specialisterne Ireland to support students in gaining employment.
ATU Sligo have committed to the ongoing and consistent application of AsIAm’s Autism Friendly University Principles, which can be accessed here.
If you would like to find out more about how your Higher Education Institute can gain the AsIAm Autism Friendly University Award please contact katie@asiam.ie
