AUTISM FRIENDLY BLARNEY
The Project
The Autism Friendly Blarney project is in association with AsIAm (Ireland's leading autism charity) and their Autism Friendly Communities initiative.
The project aims to increase accessibility, understanding and acceptance for people with Autism in our local and wider community.
It does this by targeting the main barriers to inclusion for autistic people in the community, including:
1. Communication
2. Predictability &
Control
3. Sensory Processing
4. Judgements &
attitudes
The Accreditation Process
Blarney was officially awarded 'Autism Friendly Town' status in 2026.
Committee members were thrilled to accept this award at the AsIAm Autism Friendly Towns Awards ceremony held in Dublin City Hall.
Steps completed to achieve accreditation:
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Formation of a committee
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A 3-year charter inclusion plan was created
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Local businesses/organisations were invited to sign up to become Champions
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The project was officially launched with AsIAm
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Year 1: Each businesses/organisation underwent staff training
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Year 2: Each business/organisation created a visual guide
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Year 3: Each business/organisation put at least one suitable sensory support in place
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Blarney earned the Autism Friendly Town award and status
