We were delighted to launch the Digital Badge in Autism Awareness for University Staff as part of ViT&L Week in November 2021 (and would like to thank CIRTL and the National Forum for their support). Also huge congratulations to the 29 UCC staff that received their digital badge as part of our first cohort! You can find out more about this Digital Badge here.

The Calm Zone, designed as part of the Autism Friendly University Initiative (AFUI), featured in the 2021 Venice Architecture Biennale in a show titled “Autistic Imaginaries of Architectural Space'', which showcased architecture through the lens of autism. The Calm Zone has been recognised as an example of architecture that has incorporated the principles of autism-friendly design as outlined in the ASPECTSS Design Index.  The Venice Architecture Biennale is one of the oldest and most prestigious international architecture exhibitions and the inclusion of the Calm Zone represents a huge achievement for all involved in its design and development.  

UCC won a number of awards at the 2021 Education Awards, including 'Best Campus'. We were delighted that the judges highlighted the UCC Autism Friendly University Initiative as a particularily impressive element of the submission.