First class Autism project

Dublin People 22 Jan 2016
Founder of AsIAm.ie Adam Harris (centre) with DCU students Ardit Hoxha and Caoimhe Ni Chathail at the launch of the DCU Autism Friendly Campus initiative.

EUROPE’S first Autism-friendly university campus is to be created on the Northside thanks to a unique collaboration between DCU, a national charity and a specialist agency for people with the condition. 

The project will begin with an extensive consultation period running from now until May that will examine the current experience of Autistic students and establish target goals for DCU to achieve Autism-friendly campus designation.

A programme will then be developed to create a learning environment that allows students with Autism and Asperger’s to take part fully in college life and gain employment afterwards.

The programme will include internships that, if implemented nationally, could lead to employment for up to 400 Autistic students every year. 

“The unemployment rate among people with autism spectrum disorders is currently around 80 per cent, despite many of these people having excellent qualifications,” said DCU President, Professor Brian MacCraith. 

“This is a loss not just to the individuals, but to the employers who miss out on a cohort of talented and qualified people.”

 

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