Autism Friendly Sligo

23/10/2025

This is an important conversation that affects many in our community.

Respite and disabled people: Space for an ILMI analysis

11th November 10:30am (via ZOOM)

ILMI needs to build a clear analysis on the role of respite in the lives of disabled people in light of the implementation of the UNCRPD.

There is a commitment in the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025 to 2023 to “Increase availability of respite places and broaden the spectrum of respite provision in supporting disabled people and their families”.

Most of the research shows demand for respite comes primarily from families, and seldom are the voices of Disabled People heard in this.

As a Disabled Persons Organisation (DPO) it is vital to have an informed, collective discussion on what the lived experience of Disabled People is and has been in accessing respite. What works? Is it what Disabled People need right now?

There is an absence of a DPO-informed voice on respite, which is needed to inform future policy development and models of investment to meet the needs of Disabled People under the UNCRPD.

The purpose of this discussion is to enable disabled people to share their lived experience of respite, what they experience was like, their reasons for accessing respite and what role respite could play for Disabled People.

This discussion will take place on Tuesday 11th November at 10:30am on Zoom. If you want to be involved email info@ilmi.ie to register

IMAGE: poster with serene forest backdrop and text detailed in post

22/10/2025

Calling all Autism Champions for Sligo, don't miss this chance to catch some training on providing santa experiences that are autism-friendly:

🎅 Calling all professionals involved in festive events! 🎅
Join us for the webinar: “Autism-Friendly Santa Experience” hosted by AsIAm on November 5, 2025.
This session is designed to help staff involved in Santa’s grottos, meet-and-greet sessions, seasonal events and more to create a welcoming, safe and inclusive space for Autistic and neurodivergent children and their families.
You’ll learn about neurodiversity, barriers faced during festive visits, how to recognise individual needs and practical strategies to build a flexible, neuro-affirming environment.
The webinar will be live on Zoom (registration link to be sent via email) and will be recorded for later access.
Register now: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/asiam-webinar-series-for-professionals-autism-friendly-santa-experience-tickets-1814652988939?aff=oddtdtcreator

23/09/2025

Another chance for some free autism-friendly training. There has never been a better time to inform yourself about autism and help build a more inclusive Sligo.

Image of a poster. The Autism Friendly Sligo logo is in the top left corner it shows a stylised image of Benbulben and Sligo Bay. The headline reads How to become Autism-Friendly (in maroon). Under that (in blue) it reads Free Training. The fine print in the middle (in black) reads: Businesses, groups and organisations who complete this training can become Autism Champions for Sligo, which helps Sligo achieve accreditation under the Asiam.ie Autism Friendly Town Scheme. The larger (maroon) text in the bottom left reads: 11:00 am to 12:30 pm, Wednesday, October 15th, Riverside Hotel, Sligo. To the right of that is the AsIAm and Sligo PPN logos. Across the bottom it reads RSVP to (in Black) AutismFriendlySligo.com (in Green)

23/09/2025

Big thank you to AsIAm for setting the record straight on the unscientific statements from the US Administration.

19/09/2025

Happening tonight:

19/09/2025

People have been contacting us recently about a rise of misinformation around autism. It is fueled by approaches being taken in other jurisdictions to reduce the incidence. Speaking as an autistic person, this approach touches on eugenics. I wouldn't change my neurotype for the world. People like me do not need to be prevented. It seems we are still fighting the rhetoric of the old Auti$m $peaks message that autism is a sinister presence that stalks our children. There is no autism 'epidemic'. Neither is it overdiagnosis. The existence of different neurotypes is simply beginning to be understood. Human diversity is just as important for society as biodiversity is for our planet. The beauty of the Autism Friendly Town project is that is does not try to fix, cure, heal or prevent autistic people. Instead, we are proud of having a part to play in building a more inclusive community -- one that values diversity.

06/09/2025

Along with Sligo and Donegal DPOs, AsIAm CRO, Adam Harris also addressed special rapporteur Rosemary Kayess at this briefing. AsIAm, the Independent Living Movement of Ireland, Disabled Women, Ireland, the Irish Deaf Society and the National Platform of Self-Advocates are all part of the DPO Network, which made a collective submission to the CRPD Committee in addition to their individual ones. All of this information will help inform the committee as they compile their list of questions for our Government to answer ahead of our first periodic review.

15/07/2025

Sorry to report that the silent disco has been cancelled

03/07/2025

Due to events outside our control, we have been obliged to postpone this training session by one week. It will now take place at the same time (11am) and in the same venue (The Riverside Hotel in Sligo) but on the following Wednesday (July 16th). We are very sorry for the inconvenience and hope to still be able to welcome you on the following Wednesday.

Image of a poster. The Autism Friendly Sligo logo is in the top left corner it shows a stylised image of Benbulben and Sligo Bay. The headline reads How to become Autism-Friendly (in maroon). Under that (in blue) it reads Free Training. The fine print in the middle (in black) reads: Businesses, groups and organisations who complete this training can become Autism Champions for Sligo, which helps Sligo achieve accreditation under the Asiam.ie Autism Friendly Town Scheme. The larger (maroon) text in the bottom left reads: 11:00 am to 12:30 pm, Wednesday, July 16th, Riverside Hotel, Sligo. To the right of that is the AsIAm and Sligo PPN logos. Across the bottom it reads RSVP to (in Black) AutismFriendlySligo.com (in Green)

02/07/2025

Many of our followers will be familiar with Joey Jinks. He has created an excellent petition about accessibility for disabled people in Sligo. It follows on beautifully from the Sligo DPO video series Navigating Ordinary Things (https://youtu.be/aYicUmeH2OQ?si=WZtYTI_MnNccLLb1) and the recent Press release from the DOnegal DPO about the accessibility problems in the Northwest (https://www.oceanfm.ie/news/regional-imbalance-impacting-lives-of-north-west-people-with-disability-552923) Please sign and share Joey's petition https://chng.it/vBmqkSnfQ5

Ensure Accessibility in Sligo's Public Buildings and Paths

27/06/2025

Please support this, if you can:

In conjunction with Glór na nGael we at St Mary’s GAA are organising a Coffee morning for Palestine on Saturday 5th July from 10;30am- 12;30pm at St Mary’s GAA Club ( Maidin Chaife don Phalaistin).
People can also donate on line by opening the iDonate Logo and putting St Mary’s GAA, Sligo or CLG Naomh Mhuire , Sligeach under Co name followed by personal details🔴⚫️

25/06/2025

St Mary's GAA is one of our Autism Champions:

Poster has images of a skipping rope, a ball, people playing iwth a parachute, hoops and a jigsaw puzzle around the edges. At the top are the GAA for all and GAA Cúl Camps logos. The St Marys Logo is at the top centre. The text reads Cúl Eile Camp (in red block capitals) 5th - 7th August, 10 am - 12 pm. Kent Park, Ballydoogan Road, Sligo. Ages 6-13 years (in red text on a yellow circle). A camp designed for children with additional needs. Inclusive, supportive and packed with fun!

🌟 CÚL EILE CAMP 🌟
We’re thrilled to announce our Cúl Eile Camp, a fun, inclusive GAA summer camp designed specifically for children with additional needs! 🏐🎨💛

📅 Dates: Tuesday 5th- Thursday 7th August
⏰ Time: 10am–12pm
📍 Location: Kent Park, Ballydoogan Road, Sligo
👧👦 Ages: 6–13 years

Expect a camp full of games, laughter, and new friendships, all in a supportive and welcoming environment.

➡️ Spaces are limited, so get in touch to register or find out more!
📩 [https://www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie/booking/?county=Sligo&venue=&week=&inclusive=1 ] ☀️


Autism Friendly Sligo Down Syndrome Sligo Sligo LGFA Sligo GAA Sligo GAA Coaching & Games Sligo Sport and Recreation Partnership