'This is a momentous day.' says Carlow TD following new Autism Innovation Strategy

Local Carlow Fianna Fáil TD, Jennifer Murnane O'Connor has welcomed the country's first ever Autism Innovation Strategy launched today by Minister of State for Disability, Anne Rabbitte.

The Autism Innovation Strategy will deliver over 80 simple actions which will be of huge benefit to many people across the country and will be implemented over a period of 18 months. The Strategy was developed in collaboration with autistic people, parents, professionals and organisations supporting autistic people, and Government Departments and agencies.
Speaking on the launch of the Autism Innovation Strategy Deputy Murnane O'Connor said: “This is a momentous day. We pride ourselves in Ireland as being a very inclusive country, and today we have reaffirmed that message by launching the country’s first ever Autism Innovation Strategy.”

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The vision for the Autism Innovation Strategy is to provide the building blocks for a more inclusive society, where autistic people are understood to have opportunities to participate in cultural, social, and economic life.
“Having the first ever Autism Innovation Strategy in place is vital for people and children with autism to have the tools available to them to have ample opportunities in life like everybody else, whether that's in health services, education and employment opportunities, sport, transport or arts and culture."

“Everybody has, or knows of someone with autism in their lives, and although it can be challenging at times for them, this strategy will give them every opportunity to enhance their lives further. It is important that the state provides that support, and I am delighted to hear the Autism Innovation Strategy has been launched.”

“This will also help parents of children with autism and give them real hope that their child will grow up in a more inclusive Ireland, and one where their child will have equal opportunities and respected for who they are.”
“I want to place on record the hard work that my party colleague, and Minister of State for Disability, Anne Rabbitte has done on the Autism Innovation Strategy. She made a promise in 2021 to deliver a national strategy on autism and I am proud to see it delivered so quickly. This reaffirms Fianna Fáil’s commitment to a more inclusive, diverse, and accepting Ireland.”