*Participants at the Autism Cúl Camp. Photograph: Joe Buckley
An allocation of €78,500 in Government funding has been confirmed for Autism Aware Clare.
Clare County Council have been allocated the amount specifically for Autism Aware Clare. It is one of thirty nine projects chosen across thirty one local authorities to benefit from the 2021 Disability Participation and Awareness Fund.
Funding will be “significant” to allow Autism Aware Clare to continue its work, Clare TD, Cathal Crowe (FF) maintained. He said that its work is already vital to ensure effective inclusion and participation in society for people with disabilities.
Deputy Crowe stated, “It’s only with funding like this that we can see meaningful action being taken in removing barriers that are faced by those living with disabilities – be they visible or invisible ones”.
He added, “Clare is leading the way in helping those with autism lead a fulfilling and inclusive life in our society – last summer, we became just the third county in the country to hold an Autism Cúl Camp and I have every faith that this will become an annual event.
“The most important thing for the autistic community is that they are supported from the ground up – right down to early intervention, which I am all too aware is an area that needs significant work to address funding and staff shortages, then on into the school system and beyond. The beauty of a programme like Autism Aware Clare is its aim is to raise awareness of the condition and the challenges faced not only by those living with autism but also by their families. Thankfully, there is increased awareness these days but there’s still plenty of work to be done,” Crowe concluded.
