In recognition of Dundalk Institute of Technology’s commitment to promoting inclusivity, fostering diversity and continuously evolving support for those from the neurodiverse community, DkIT was awarded the Autism Friendly Higher Education Institute Award from AsIAm, Ireland's Autism Charity. The award was presented to DkIT President Dr Diarmuid O’Callaghan by Adam Harris, Founder and CEO of AsIAm at a launch on DkIT’s campus on the 14th October. Alongside Dr O’Callaghan and Adam Harris, Final Year Business Studies student Áine Cleary also spoke at the launch.
DkIt’s journey towards achieving this award began in September 2021 when the Institute looked at exploring new ways to support autistic students by becoming an Autism Friendly Institute. An application was submitted to AsIAm in July 2022, and following this, the Institute formed a Steering Group, engaged with students and conducted a sensory audit with AsIAm. In September 2023 DkIT was accredited as an Autism Friendly Candidate. The institute then worked towards achieving full accreditation by developing an action plan and implementing various initiatives aimed at creating an inclusive environment for all students, led by the Disability Service Team and the staff in the Department of Creative Arts. As an institute, DkIT has taken a continuously practical approach, raising awareness, providing support services and implementing inclusive policies to significantly impact the lives of neurodiverse staff and students.
Dr Diarmuid O’Callaghan, President of DkIT said:
“I would like to thank AsIAm for their continued support and recognition of the engagement by students and staff on our journey to supporting autistic students. At DkIT we strive for an environment where everyone in our community is accepted as they are, enabling all students to participate equally in our programmes and ensuring autistic students have a voice in all aspects of student life. Our team at DkIT continues to show a steadfast commitment to supporting our neurodiverse students as they face the challenges of higher education, and I look forward to supporting our community to further increase awareness and capacity to support autistic students across our campus.”
Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm said:
“We would like to warmly congratulate DkIT on achieving our Autism-Friendly HEI Award. Our Award framework challenges higher education institutions to take a whole of campus, neuroaffirmative approach to supporting Autistic students and employees. Since the Award launched in 2018, HEIs across Ireland have responded to the framework through institution-specific 3 year plans which remove barriers for Autistic people transitioning to university, accessing the curriculum, engaging in campus life and securing employment. The robust awards process requires significant strategic focus and commitment from participating HEIs and is overseen by an international accreditation panel. Today marks a major achievement by the entire DkIT community and we look forward to supporting them in the implementation of their 3 year plan. It is vital that Autistic students and academics have the same chance to study, participate and gain employment in universities across Ireland”
