Ó An Roinn Leanaí, Comhionannais, Míchumais, Lánpháirtíochta agus Óige
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Teanga: Níl leagan Gaeilge den mhír seo ar fáil.
• The Autism Innovation Strategy responds to a clear commitment in the Programme for Government to action on autism.
• The Strategy will be implemented over an 18-month period, delivering over 80 clear and simple actions which will make a positive impact on people’s lives.
• The Strategy was developed in collaboration with autistic people, parents, professionals and organisations supporting autistic people, and Government Departments and agencies.
An Taoiseach Simon Harris, the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, and the Minister of State for Disability, Anne Rabbitte, have today announced the publication of the Autism Innovation Strategy.
On World Autism Awareness Day in 2021, Minister Rabbitte announced her intention to develop a national strategy on autism and work has been ongoing since that announcement to develop the Strategy being published today.
The Autism Innovation Strategy seeks to identify and deliver tangible solutions to address the challenges faced by autistic people across Ireland. The strategy identifies simple, clear actions that can make a real difference to people’s lives, to be delivered in an 18 month period. It is designed to complement and enhance wider action on disability by focusing on areas where autistic people face unique challenges and barriers.
Speaking upon publication of the Strategy, the Taoiseach, Simon Harris TD. said:
“I am delighted to be launching the Government’s new Autism Innovation Strategy. Publication of this strategy represents the realisation of a clear commitment to action on autism in our Programme for Government. This commitment was made recognising the fact that autistic people in our society face a variety of challenges, and that there are gaps which we need to address in existing services and supports, along with misconceptions and gaps in terms of understanding autism. But the Strategy also recognises that the perspective, talents, and contributions of autistic people across society add immeasurably to the quality, the richness and the diversity of Irish life.”
Speaking at the launch of the Strategy, Minister O’Gorman said:
“I am delighted to announce today, alongside the Taoiseach and my colleague Minister Rabbitte, the publication of the Autism Innovation Strategy. This Strategy will provide a strong framework for creating tangible improvements in the lives of autistic people throughout the country. It is an important step in addressing the barriers which often prevent autistic people from participating in their communities to the extent they can, and should be able to.
My Department is absolutely committed to the advancement of the rights of autistic people and all people with disabilities. This Strategy has been designed from the start to complement Government’s broader policy on disability, in particular the forthcoming National Disability Strategy, which will ensure that Ireland has a joined-up approach to the realisation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Minister Rabbitte said:
“In 2021, I announced the development of a new national strategy on autism, the Autism Innovation Strategy. I am immensely proud to be here today to deliver on that promise to autistic people, their families and supporters.
The purpose of this Strategy is to provide the building blocks for a more inclusive society, where autistic people are accepted and understood and have equity of opportunity to participate in cultural, social and economic life and lead meaningful and fulfilled lives as valued members of the community.
This Strategy recognises that while much has been done, there are gaps in our understanding, services and supports for autistic people which must be addressed. This Strategy aims to build a firm foundation for this work across Government and society.
Bridging these gaps is essential in order to ensure that the autistic people in our families and communities have the opportunity to contribute their perspectives and talents fully, creating a richer society for all of us.”
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 particular challenges faced by autistic people in Ireland.
Consultation with autistic people, their families, supporters and representatives has been at the heart of the Autism Innovation Strategy, in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The most recent consultation on the draft Strategy in February 2024 garnered over 370 responses. Following this extensive consultation process, the Strategy was finalised and approved by Government.
The Autism Innovation Strategy sets out 83 actions across the following four key pillars:
1. Autism-affirming society
2. Equality of access to public services
3. Accessible, inclusive communities
4. Building capacity
11 Government Departments and a number of State agencies have contributed to the Strategy, which will have a lifetime of 18 months.
A link to the strategy can be found here.