Minister Rabbitte convenes first meeting of the Autism Innovation Strategy Oversight and Advisory Group
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From: Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
- Published on: 14 December 2022
- Last updated on: 23 January 2023
Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Anne Rabbitte, today convened the first meeting of the Autism Innovation Strategy Oversight and Advisory Group. The group was recently appointed following an open call for expressions of interest which took place in June 2022.
The group is majority Neurodivergent and will ensure that the voice of Autistic and Neurodivergent people, their families, supporters and representatives will be at the forefront of the Autism Innovation Strategy.
The Oversight and Advisory Group’s main role will be to oversee implementation of the Autism Innovation Strategy, once adopted. The group will also provide oversight and critical, constructive advice that will help the strategy to achieve its aims.
The Autism Innovation Strategy will seek to identify and deliver tangible solutions to address the bespoke challenges faced by Autistic and Neurodivergent people across Ireland, using the themes of innovation, empowerment and awareness-raising. The strategy will identify simple, clear actions that can make a tangible difference to people’s lives. It will focus on areas that may not be addressed by other national strategies and frameworks on the basis of additionality and complementarity.
Commenting on the first meeting of the Oversight and Advisory Group, Minister Rabbitte said:
"I have consistently sought to drive national action on Autism to address the gaps in existing supports that are preventing Autistic and Neurodivergent people from reaching their full potential. This is the vision behind the Autism Innovation Strategy.
"The appointment and inaugural meeting of the Oversight and Advisory Group is a very positive step forward in the development process for the strategy. I want the views and experiences of Autistic people, their families, representatives and supporters, to guide this strategy from the outset.
"Each group member brings a wealth of experience and insights to the table, and I look forward to working closely with this diverse group and with other departments as we work collectively to make Ireland a more Autism-friendly and Neuro-affirmative country."
Notes
Action on Autism is a commitment in the Programme for Government.
On World Autism Awareness Day in 2021, Minister Rabbitte announced the government’s intention to develop a national strategy on Autism. The Autism Innovation Strategy will complement existing policies and frameworks by addressing the bespoke challenges faced by Autistic and Neurodivergent people in Ireland.
Consultation with Autistic and Neurodivergent people, their families, supporters and representatives will be at the heart of the Autism Innovation Strategy, in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The first stage in the development process of the Autism Innovation Strategy consisted of an initial public consultation, which took place in April – May 2022.
The second phase of the development process, comprising of an application process for membership of the Autism Innovation Strategy Oversight and Advisory Group, was launched in June 2022.
Drafting and adoption of the strategy is anticipated to take place in 2023. A further public consultation will be convened next year prior to the finalisation of the strategy. Further meetings of the Oversight and Advisory Group will also be scheduled in 2023.
The membership of the Autism Innovation Strategy Oversight and Advisory Group can be found here