The Seanad has initiated the Autism Action and Oversight Bill with aims for the establishment of an Advisory Group (the Gasra um Plean Gníomhaíochta i leith an Uathachais agus um Chomhairle), to monitor and advise on the implementation of the Autism Innovation Strategy (the Strategy) and any autism action plan that is later published under the Act.
The Autism Innovation Strategy aims to address the bespoke challenges and barriers facing autistic people and to improve understanding and accommodation of autism within society and across the public system. The Strategy contains actions that will be undertaken across the Government to better support for autistic people and their families. The goal of the Strategy is to make a difference to the lives of autistic people, and ensuring rights under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities are afforded to people with autism
There are four key pillars to the strategy. The first of which is to ensure society and members of the public understand and acknowledge the importance of autistic people in society. This will be done through a campaign aiming to educate the public on autism.
The second pillar is ensuring equal access to public services by ensuring the needs of autistic people are considered when designing public services. This also involves insuring persons involved in childcare and education, employment, health and justice services are trained on the needs of people with autism and have the capacity to accommodate.
The third pillar is ensuring communities are accessible and inclusive. This puts a focus on places of arts and culture, libraries, playgrounds, sport and transport. Ensuring that these places are designed with the needs of autistic people in mind as well as ensuring they are accessible. This can be done through designated quiet areas and training of relevant staff.
The fourth and final pillar focuses on ensuring autistic people have the power to live the life they choose. This can be done through self-advocacy, assistive technology and lots of research.
The Autism Action and Oversight Bill will establish an advisory group for the purposes of monitoring the implementation of the Strategy. The Advisory Group will also provide advice and make recommendations on the Strategy and will consider interim reports provided by the Minister and provide advice to the Minister on any other matters concerning autism.
Click here to read the Autism Action and Oversight Bill
Click here to read the Autism Innovation Strategy