As part of Social Inclusion Week, a landmark event was held on Thursday, 21st November, at the Four Seasons Hotel, Monaghan, to launch the county’s partnership with AsIAm, Ireland's National Autism Charity. This initiative aims to make Monaghan a more accessible and inclusive community for Autistic individuals.
The evening commenced with a welcome from Collette Deeney, introducing the Monaghan Autism Friendly Committee: Chairperson Susanna Earley, Secretary Collette Deeney, Treasurer Alison McGonnell, PRO Gretchen Swinburne, and Equality and Diversity Officer Kelly Loughran. The committee was formed following a Facebook post by Susanna, which brought together like-minded individuals committed to creating positive change.
William Nestor, Inclusive Communities Network Coordinator at AsIAm, outlined the objectives of the Friendly Towns Initiative. He explained that the programme encourages communities to commit to enhancing accessibility, educating the public, and championing Autism acceptance. Monaghan aims to recruit Autism-Friendly Champions across statutory agencies, community groups, and local businesses, each pledging to adopt simple but impactful measures such as sensory-friendly spaces and staff training.
Attendees were moved by personal stories from committee members Susanna Earley and Alison McGonnell, who shared the challenges and triumphs of raising Autistic children. Susanna highlighted the importance of small accommodations like accessible parking, while Alison described her son Harry’s hope to see Monaghan adopt Autism-friendly amenities similar to those he encountered in France.
A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the Monaghan Autism-Friendly Initiative logo, designed by local Autistic graphic designer Charlie Callan. Charlie shared his journey through education and his pride in continuing his design studies at DKIT next year.
The event also featured insights from Autistic advocates Lydia Toye and Eibhear Verens. Lydia, diagnosed at 18, emphasised the need for social groups for neurodivergent teens and young adults. Eibhear spoke on the importance of fostering understanding and accommodating different sensory and social needs, reminding attendees that inclusion benefits everyone.
Monaghan County Council representatives, including Cathaoirleach Clr. Cathy Bennet, encouraged submissions for Autism-friendly spaces in the new County Development Plan. The Peace Campus was identified as a potential site for a sensory area. Local businesses and organisations, such as Monaghan Credit Union and Permanent TSB, pledged their support, with PTSB set to receive AsIAm’s first national Autism-Friendly accreditation.
The evening concluded with a Q&A session, with attendees sharing ideas to support Autistic individuals across education, employment, and community life. Businesses such as McMahon’s Supervalu and Monaghan Sports Partnership expressed their commitment to the initiative.
To learn more about Monaghan Autism-Friendly Town, visit the group’s Instagram and Facebook pages or email monaghanautismfriendly@gmail.com. Follow AsIAm at @AsIAmIreland.
