The Minister for Education and Skills announced a rehaul of the criteria for granting exemptions from studying Irish earlier this week. The new rules for the exemptions will be in place for the new school year in September of this year. A public consultation was organised by the Department on the issue. Individuals from across …
Explainer: New Rules for Irish Language ExemptionsRead More »
Mark O’Keefe, celebrity hairdresser and owner of the Sugar Club, made headlines last week in his heartfelt letter to his five-year old son Riley. Riley received an autism diagnosis two and a half years ago, and has so far been unsuccessful in gaining a school place. Last Friday I sat down with Riley’s parents, Mark …
Last Wednesday 19th June AsIAm Founder and CEO Adam Harris addressed the Oireachtas Committee on Public Petitions in a discussion on Mandatory Teacher Training on Spectrum Disorders, sharing insight on experiences of autistic students and parents in the education system, the need for universal design in teacher training and in schools, and recommendations for meaningful …
Today AsIAm’s Founder and CEO Adam Harris addressed the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Skills Consultation on Reduced Timetables on our work on this issue, relevant findings from our Invisible Children report on school absence in the autism community, and AsIAm’s recommendations for helping autistic students and their families affected by reduced timetables. You …
AsIAm CEO Addresses Oireachtas Joint Committee Consultation on Reduced TimetablesRead More »
Here at AsIAm we’ve been inspired this week by William Florish, who just graduated from Transition Year and made an amazing valedictory speech to his classmates and the school community. William is autistic, and had words of encouragement and thanks to his special needs assistant Orla and for his fellow “invisible kid” classmates. Members of …
Yesterday Minister for Education Joe McHugh TD published a statement reminding schools and patrons nationwide of their responsibilities under admissions laws to provide specialist school places for children and young people with special needs. This statement came just a few hours after the morning’s protest by nationwide campaign group Enough Is Enough – Every Voice …
In light of the recent publication of our Invisible Children report on School Absence and Withdrawal among autistic children in Ireland, and the lack of engagement from the Department of Education and Skills on this matter and on barriers to education for autistic students, we are excited to support the Enough is Enough – Every …
Welcome to Our Week Online. Happy Easter, and Bank Holiday Weekend! If you need a break away from your loved ones for a few minutes during the festivities (we all do at some point), we’ve got you covered. In the UK, an autistic teenage girl has spent almost the last three months in school in …
On Thursday morning, Senator Máire Devine submitted a Commencement Matter to Seanad Éireann on the lack of provision of school places for autistic children. She also cited our Invisible Children report on School Absences and Withdrawals in Ireland’s Autism Community, launched this week. The Minister answering was Catherine Byrne TD, Minister of State at the Department of …
April is World Autism Month! That means many people will be talking about autism in the media, in government, and in your community. Some people might use the colour blue at autism-related events, like “Light It Up Blue” or blue ribbons. Some people might use symbols of puzzle pieces (from a jigsaw) in posts about …
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