Autism Friendly Sligo

02/04/2026

Check out this year's same chance report from AsIAm:

02/04/2026

Wonderful to see this rights-based message from President Catherine:

Scríobh an tUachtarán Connolly teachtaireacht do gach duine atá ag comóradh Lá Domhanda an Uathachais inniu.

President Catherine Connolly has written a message for all those today marking World Autism Day.

31/03/2026

We have set a date for our AGM this year. Come and join us, look at what we have achieved, what we still have to do, and how you can help.

Maroon coloured poster with "Save the Date" in white text in the top left. Beside it across the top is a white rectangle that features the Autism Friendly Sligo logo and the Words "Autism Friendly Sligo AGM". The main part of the poster features the rainbow infinity neurodiversity symbol. Inside the loop on the left text says: "8pm Tuesday May 12th". Inside the loop on the right it says: "Riverside Hotel, Sligo"

30/03/2026

April is sometimes called "Autism Awareness" month.

Sadly, this month can be an absolute nightmare for autistic people. It can be filled with tragedy narratives around the challenges of autism from a medical model perspective. The American charity Autism Speaks, which champions this month with their "light it up blue" campaign once made a horrendous scaremongering video telling parents that Autism was "coming for their children". These narratives invalidate the lives of autistic people. This kind of "awareness" does nothing good for us.

Instead, together with Asiam.ie we want to make this month about inclusion and acceptance. Our committee works closely with the Sligo Disabled Person's Organisation - DPO to apply a human rights based social model narratives that takes the focus off our impairments labels and Instead changes the disabling environment of barriers that are both physical and attitudinal.

We also work closely with the Sligo Traveller Support Group Ltd who are doing a walk on 2 April meeting at 11am at the Doorly Park Playground.

We would ask you to avoid the Autism-speaks-style of narrative and join us to try and make this month better for autistic people by following the simple advice on these infographics: Do not: "light it up blue", do not use puzzle pieces, do not use "awareness" language or silence autistic voices. Instead: amplify autistic voices, use red instead or light it up gold, donate to autistic-led charities, use the infinity symbol, and use the language of acceptance.

18/03/2026

Our committee member, Lisa Moore passed away on March 26th last year.

As we approach her first anniversary, her friend, Miriam, has set up a fundraiser for OvaCare.

You can donate and learn more about the events that Miriam will be running in Lisa's memory here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/miriam-needham-3?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.

Help Miriam Needham raise money to support OvaCare

13/03/2026

Looking for a quiet spot to catch the St Patrick's Day Parade in Sligo town?

There will be a quiet area at Quay Street

There will also be 3 wheelchair access viewing areas at O’Connell St, Quay St and Teeling St. We advise arriving as early as possible as space will be limited.

There is a map on the link below.

Experience the vibrant Sligo St. Patrick's Day Parade celebrating Queen Maeve. Join the festivities and be part of the tradition—learn more!

25/02/2026

This is our third training where we hope to reach our Autism-Friendly town quota of 10 organisations, 10 businesses and 10 public services trained. We need your help to get this over the line. If you can think of anyone who might attend please email (or have them email and book) AutismFriendlySligo@gmail.com

23/02/2026

Protest 5pm this Wednesday City Hall, Sligo:

12/02/2026

Pop this into your diaries now :-) We are very much looking forward to it. It was a highlight of our calendar last year.

Image shows a number of a crowd of people walking wearing t-shirts with the neurodiversity rainbow infinity symbol and carrying balloons and signs that say "Autism Awareness Walk". Test says Chance of Walk for Autism 2nd April. Walk starts at 11am. Meet at the Doorly Park playground. Finishes at the Sligo Traveller Support Group Office. All welcome.

All are welcome to join us on the day,

10/02/2026

Round three of Autism Champions' Training is coming up on Thursday February 26th from 7:00pm. It is an evening session this time to catch people who are not available during the day. If you are part of a business, service, or organisation in Sligo and would like to improve accessibility for autistic people and help us make Sligo an Autism Friendly Town, please drop Tara an email at autismfriendlysligo@gmail.com.

Image description:
Autism Friendly Sligo logo at the top left with the details above and the words: 'Businesses, groups and organisations, who complete this training, can become Autism Champions for Sligo, which helps Sligo achieve accreditation under the AsIAm Autism Friendly Town Scheme'. The AsIAm Logo and the Sligo PPN Logo are at the bottom right

26/12/2025

Lovely pics of our committee members Nike and Pippa. This was a fantastic (but very loud) celebration for International Migrant Day on 18 December. We were very happy to provide ear plugs for any who needed them. Then we all danced the night away.

21/11/2025