Minister Rabbitte launches process to establish the Autism Innovation Strategy Oversight and Advisory Group

Minister of State with Responsibility for Disability, Anne Rabbitte, today launched an open call for Expressions of Interest to join the Autism Innovation Strategy Oversight and Advisory Group. This announcement follows the launch of an initial public consultation on the Autism Innovation Strategy, which took place from 29 April 2022 to 30 May 2022.

The Oversight and Advisory Group’s main role will be to oversee implementation of the Autism Innovation Strategy. Read further information on the Autism Innovation Strategy and the public consultation.

Once this voluntary group is appointed, a Chair will be chosen from within its membership. It is intended that this group should represent lived experience as much as possible. In particular, Expressions of Interest from people with autism, the neurodiverse community and representatives of Disabled Persons Organisations are encouraged.

Members of the Autism Innovation Strategy Oversight and Advisory Group will have the opportunity to be closely involved in the monitoring and implementation of this important Strategy, which will utilise the key themes of innovation, empowerment and awareness raising to accelerate our journey towards becoming an autism-inclusive and neurodiverse-friendly society.

Anyone who is interested in membership of the Autism Innovation Strategy Oversight and Advisory Group is invited to submit an Expression of Interest form. A guidance note providing further information and the application form can be found attached below. Easy-to-read versions of both documents are also available.

Launching the Expressions of Interest process, Minister Rabbitte said:

"I am delighted to launch this Expression of Interest process for membership of the Autism Innovation Strategy Oversight and Advisory Group. This is an important next step in the development of the Autism Innovation Strategy, following the launch of the public consultation at the end of April.

“Members of the Autism Innovation Strategy Oversight and Advisory Group will play a key role in ensuring that we deliver on the objectives set out in the Autism Innovation Strategy once it is implemented.

“In line with Ireland’s commitments under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, I want to ensure that this Strategy is developed and overseen in close consultation with those who will be most directly impacted by it. I would therefore particularly welcome Expressions of Interest from autistic people, the neurodiverse community and representatives of Disabled Persons Organisations.

“Through implementation of the Autism Innovation Strategy and the work of the Oversight and Advisory Group, we have a unique opportunity to address challenges faced by people with autism and to build a more autism-friendly country. I look forward to working closely with the members of the Oversight and Advisory Group as we work to progress this objective."

Expressions of Interest should be made by completing the ‘Autism Innovation Strategy Oversight and Advisory Group: Expression of Interest’ form or the easy-to-read form and submitting it to Autism_Strategy@equality.gov.ie by 5pm on 30 June 2022.

Notes

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.