Intent: Support for our World Autism Day / Month campaign and increased understanding of and support for addressing the barriers experienced by Autistic people in Irish society
Details: Held an event to mark World Autism Day and the launch of the Same Chance Report 2026
Held event in which Minister Higgins launched the report and a range of public officials attended - Event / ReceptionLiaised with Minister Higgins office in advance of the event - EmailLiaised with Minister Higgins office in advance of the event - Phone call
Intent: Ensuring the right to access autism assessment and autism specific services in health/education is strengthened in any reform of the Disability Act
Details: Engaged with relevant public officials on proposed changes to the Disability Act
Emails inviting and reminding public officials - EmailLiaised with Minister Foley's office on the detail of the event - EmailLiaised with Minister Foley's office on the detail of the event - Phone call
Intent: Provision of the required number of appropriate school places (mainstream, special class and special school) for Autistic children for the coming academic year::Secure a pause to proposed roll-out of 'Inclusive Special Classes'
Details: Campaigned to secure appropriate school places for every Autistic children for the 2026/27 academic year
Briefed opposition spokespersons on the issue - Phone callDiscussed the issue with Cllr McAdam and Deputy Geoghegan informally at separate events - Informal communicationEngaged with CEO of NCSE on issue - Phone call
Attended SNA Event in Department of Education - Event / ReceptionAttended a meeting of the All Party Group on Autism on the topic - MeetingEngaged with both Minister's Special Advisors - Informal communication
Engaged with Ministers Office on the services and their opening - Phone callHeld two launch events for Community Support Hubs in Dublin and Galway. Each hub was opened by Minister Higgins and attended by a range of public representatives - Event / ReceptionInvited public representatives and designated public officials to attend both launch events - Email
Intent: Met with the NCSE to share information about the needs of children and young people with dyslexia and dyscalculia. Topics discussed included the need for clarity on admission criteria for special classes and schools with regard to the changes around the Parents Notify and letter of eligibility requirements (i.e. DEY Circular 0039/2025.)
Details: Meeting with National Council for Special Education (NCSE)
John Kearney, CEO NCSE and Helen Walsh Head of Inclusion were invited to address the INTO National Committees on Education, Equality, Principals/Deputy Principals on 12 March. - Meeting
