Cork town recognised with award for its 'autism friendly' ethos

Blarney has received ‘autism friendly town’ status at the AsIAm autism friendly towns awards 2026.

The status recognises Blarney for fostering autism inclusion, understanding, and acceptance, and creating spaces for autistic people.

Villages, towns, and cities earn and retain autism friendly status over a three-year cycle, guided by clear criteria.

These criteria include the establishment of a voluntary autism-friendly town committee, implementation of a three-year action plan, engagagement of local employers to support autistic individuals through work experience or employment, training of autism friendly champions across key sectors, and ensuring businesses and organisations are assistance-dog friendly.

The AsIAm autism friendly towns awards 2026 took place at Dublin City Hall.

The ceremony was attended by Lord Mayor of Dublin Ray McAdam , social-media personality and autism advocate Eric Roberts, and Adam Harris, CEO and founder of AsIAm, who each highlighted the progress being made in creating autism-friendly communities across the country.

Inclusive

Mr Harris said the autism-friendly towns awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise the communities and organisations that are creating a more inclusive Ireland for autistic people.

“We are delighted to celebrate this year’s winners, whose commitment to understanding, accessibility, and acceptance is helping to make a real difference locally.

“We also greatly value the support of partners like PTSB, whose backing helps us shine a light on what true inclusion can look like in practice.”

Mr Harris said research by AsIAm shows that more than half of autistic people report barriers to participating fully in community life.

“At AsIAm, we know that building autism-friendly communities has a lasting impact on the everyday lives of autistic people and their families.”