I'm writing to you from an independent television production company based in Dublin. We have been commissioned by RTE to research and develop an idea we submitted to them on the subject of autism. Our pitch to them was to explore
the world of autism through the experiences of a number of children and young adults and their families in an attempt to see the world from their perspective. We would also like to address various issues relating to this
spectrum via experts in their field.

We feel there hasn't been much Irish television devoted to this subject so we'd like to change this. I have an added interest because I trained and worked as a Special Ed. Montessori teacher years ago and I also have a special needs nephew who displays some autistic characteristics.

A Chara, 

Foyle Sailability is a cross-border voluntary organisation aimed at facilitating people with all types of disabilities access to water based activities. We successfully delivered a 2 day regatta in June (a few days before the Clipper boats arrived) where 120 people with disabilities from across the North West took to the water in specially adapted dinghies, clipper canoes and a motor boat. 

 We have received funding from Donegal County Council to run an event in Greencastle, Co. Donegal on 14 Aug from 11am-4pm and a disabled hoist will be available. 

This is a free event but booking is essential and forms (from the attachment) should be returned to foylesailability@gmail.com or to Foyle Disability Resource Centre, Glen Road, Derry, BT48 0BX by Friday 8 August. Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. 

Dear Sirs and Madams,

I am in the process of organising the first meetup of autistic adults in Sligo. It is not meant to be a support group as such, just an opportunity to get to know and hang out with each other. Teenagers are welcome to join.

Hello, 

My name is Olivia.
I have a Degree in Fine Art and Diploma in Business and Equine Science. I am interested in working with autistic children and have been reading about the benefits for autistic children interacting with horses and educational benefits for them of learning through the use of visual arts. I have no previous experience working with disabilities, but am keen to learn. 

I will be attending a horse riding class for children with disabilities this Saturday in Drumshambo to hopefully meet some autistic children and to learn more. 

If you are interested in learning more about me,please feel free to contact me. 

Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated. 

 I am from Co.Sligo, near Boyle, Ballaghaderrean.

Dear Colleagues,

The National Disability Authority is undertaking a consultation exercise to find out how the implementation of the National Disability Strategy Implementation Plan can most effectively address the needs of people with autism.

The consultation process consists of:

   A consultation event for autism stakeholders (which took place on the 31st of January 2014)

   Engagement with small groups of adults with autism

“Learning from 25 years of change in supporting Families and People with Disabilities”

(hosted by the National Federation of Voluntary Bodies)

People with Disabilities Ireland (PWDI) with the support of Autism Spectrum Disorder Initiatives (ASDI) are hosting a one day conference...

Understanding the Changing Needs of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Conditions

Peter Vermeulen PhD (Keynote Speaker)
Co-director of the Centre for Concrete Communications a European training and education centre for ASD Gent, Belgium

On April 21st 2010 the third national Job Shadow Initiative hundreds of Individuals with disabilities throughout Ireland will be afforded the unique opportunity to shadow a workplace mentor (employee) as he or she goes through a normal working day at hundreds of employment sites/companies across the country.  

Speaking about the initiative Minister for Labour Affairs, Dara Calleary T.D. said:-

Fermanagh Herald, 2nd December 2009

It was a night of great food, fun and laughter, when a major male carers' celebration event entitled "What About Me?" was held at the Erne Dynasty Restaurant in Enniskillen recently.

The event, which was organised by local social enterprise Me Unltd, in partnership with Positive Futures and the Western Health and Social Care Trust, was well attended with over 60 male carers and their families attending.

Advocates for Personal Potential Training Services (APP) was initially established in Ballyshannon, Co Donegal in 2004 to develop a person centred approach to the social and vocational rehabilitation of people who suffered from or have experienced a breakdown in their mental health status.

An expansion of our services in 2006 to Letterkenny, Co Donegal resulted in the successful development/commencement of a programme to assist the needs of adults with aspergers using our person centred approach.

The Disability Access Route to Education (DARE) is a supplementary admissions scheme for school leavers with disabilities which operates on a reduced points basis.

DARE has been established by a number of higher education institutions as clear evidence shows that disability can have a negative impact on educational attainment at school and progression to higher education.

Flyer is attached
DARE Presentation (Jan 2010) is attached

Donegal Asperger's Support Group

Asperger's is a condition related to Autism. There is a number of young people with Aspergers in County Donegal and the position is that once they reach 18 there is no statutory support for them.

This group is made up of parents and carers of people with Aspergers and as well as a group where people can share experiences. At present the group are lobbying for improved services for adults in the community.

For further information contact: Mary or Rosaleen, 074 93 85548.

Examining the Experiences and Information Needs of Parents of Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorders: Before and After the Diagnosis

On Tue, Feb 12, 2008 at 5:48 PM, Tara wrote:

Dear Parent,