Press release
Minister Rabbitte launches Autism Innovation Strategy consultation
From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Published on
Last updated on
Minister of State with Special Responsibility for Disability, Anne Rabbitte, today launched a public consultation to inform the design and development of the Autism Innovation Strategy.
The Autism Innovation Strategy will identify key areas where individuals with autism face particular challenges and barriers, focusing on particular areas which may not be addressed by other national strategies. It will play an important role in shaping future policies and strategies that are adopted to address challenges and barriers faced by the community of neurodiverse people in Ireland.
Anyone with an interest in participating in the development of the Autism Innovation Strategy is invited to submit a consultation response. A consultation guidance paper, including an easy to read version, providing further details can be accessed here: Public Consultation on the Autism Innovation Strategy
Anyone who would like to be more closely involved in the monitoring the implementation of the Strategy once it has been finalised will shortly be invited to submit an Expression of Interest to become a member of the Strategy Oversight and Advisory Group. A Guidance Note and application form providing further information will be published in due course.
Launching the public consultation process, Minister Rabbitte said:
"In line with Ireland’s commitments under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, I want to ensure that people with autism are given the opportunity to participate in the development of this Strategy from inception to launch, and thereafter to be involved in monitoring the Strategy’s implementation and progress.
"Through this public consultation, I wish to invite and welcome the submission of views from all who wish to contribute to the development of the draft text of the Autism Innovation Strategy, and especially from people with autism and neurodiversity, their families, friends, representatives and key supporters.
"The Autism Innovation Strategy presents an opportunity for Ireland to become a leader across the EU and indeed the world on how to achieve a more autism-aware society, and I look forward to working inclusively and collaboratively to make Ireland a more autism-friendly country.”
Any questions regarding the Autism Innovation Strategy development process should be sent to Autism_Strategy@equality.gov.ie
Action on autism is a commitment in the Programme for Government.
Consultation with persons with disabilities is a clear requirement of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was adopted in 2006. Ireland signed the Convention in 2007 and ratified the Convention in 2018.
The purpose of the Convention is to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.