AsIAm and PTSB have officially launched the 2025 Autism Friendly Towns initiative. The initiative, developed by AsIAm and proudly supported by PTSB, empowers cities, towns and villages across Ireland to become genuinely inclusive of Autistic people and their families.It is a community that makes a commitment to put in place measures to improve accessibility for and promote acceptance and understanding of Autistic people. The programme is project-led by a committee with representatives from the local community and Autistic advocates.
The application window for the programme runs for the month of July, however you are welcome to make an expression of interest at any time. If you have an interest in the programme and forming a voluntary steering committee for your community, please email admin@asiam.ie and we will get in touch as soon as possible.
A 3-year plan is put in place to measurably improve the quality of life for Autistic people in the community. A required number of Autism-Friendly Champions are recruited by the committee. Autism Friendly Champions can be businesses, voluntary organisations or public services in your community. Champions are required to:
- Undertake autism understanding & acceptance training
- Make sensory accommodation adaptations
- Create visual supports and guides for their organisation.
The committee will also develop a Town Plan in consultation with the autistic community which outlines their goals to improve accessibility. AsIAm will guide and review this plan as the journey continues.
The programme is a 3-year process, however, it is possible to achieve the status in a shorter period time should the following criteria be met:
- The development and implementation of a 3-year town plan.
- Meeting the community’s quota of Autism Friendly Champions as agreed with AsIAm.
- Engaging a minimum of 2 employers in providing work experience or employment opportunities for the Autistic community.
AsIAm holds an annual awards ceremony for all committees to apply for the status. A panel of autistic-led, independent adjudicators assess each committee’s progress each year and make the final decision on new awardees.
AsIAm provides a national co-ordinator to support your committee formation and oversee the programme throughout the Republic of Ireland.
We will support through one-to-one calls, webinars and additional supports when/if required. We will also provide in-person and online training for Autism Friendly Champions.
Your committee will also have access to the AFT Toolkit for additional support through the process.
In 2019, Clonakilty in West Cork became the first Autism Friendly town in Ireland. Maynooth in County Kildare became the second town to achieve the status. And in 2025, they were joined by Waterford City, Killarney, and Drumcondra Village.
At a minimum, committee formation comprises of elected officers; Chairperson, Secretary, Communications Officer. A treasurer is optional, however it is mandatory should a committee engage in fundraising activities or have financial operations.
Committees must adhere to the terms of the Contract and Code of Conduct provided by AsIAm. Sub-committees may be formed in line with your committee’s Terms of Reference.
There is no expectation on AFT committees to fundraise as this is a funded accessibility programme. If a committee chooses to fundraise for any reason, please see below.
• AsIAm provides a video tutorial on governance of AFT Committees. Committees are bound by the law and receive a briefing from the AFT national co-ordinator, for their own information, on their relevant and possible statutory obligations
• AsIAm is not in a position to provide insurance or garda vetting to activities not affiliated with our organisation and where there is third party involvement or where there are aspects of work not provided for through the AFT programme.
• In terms of fundraising, the aforementioned presentation from a governance expert explains the various structures committees might consider in order to remain compliant with the Charities Act - this includes registering with the regulator but also options such as partnering with an existing local group or registering with their PPN network.
• Fundraisers organised in association with AsIAm and proceeds from such, enable AsIAm to provide the AFT programme and associated costs involved.
• AsIAm cannot provide its charity number for local fundraising purposes, or engage in ‘split-the-pot’ fundraisers.
Yes. Villages, cities and combined communities are welcome to join the programme.
Please contact your co-ordinator for more information.
To manage and scale the programme, we have a timeline calendar which includes the month of September for new applications. However, we will accept Expressions of Interest admin@asiam.ie at any time of the year and work closely with you and stakeholders to explore and progress committee formation.
Achieving the status is not a destination. We continue to work with committee’s after receiving the award. The judging panel requests a continuation of submissions each year to ensure the status is retained.
The quota of Autism Friendly Champions will depend upon the size and population of your community. Your co-ordinator will identify this quota with you in the early stages of joining the programme.
Autism Friendly Champions, their managers, staff or volunteers, must take the training provided either in-person or online every 18 months. It is the responsibility of the committee to document and record all attendees and information relevant to making submissions.
For any other questions or information you need, please contact admin@asiam.ie