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.

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.

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.  

World Autism Day is the 2nd of April, and to mark the occasion we have spoken to some autistic UCC students about their experiences getting involved with student life, and they share the advice they have for others who want to get more involved.

We also have a chat with Dr Cat Hughes, an autistic researcher who was diagnosed with autism during her PhD and she shares her experiences as an autistic person in both higher education and employment, as well as how and why she celebrates World Autism Day.

“This is honestly BRILLIANT! It’s going to make such a difference to students starting in UCC. It’s going to make so many people’s lives easier and reduce their nerves/anxiety.”

(Feedback from student reviewer of the UCC version of the Autism&Uni toolkit)

This toolkit is a remarkable addition to the supports offered to students – topics are clear and well-defined. There is information and advice that will benefit students, from adapting to life in UCC as a first year to moving on to employment after graduating. Although is designed for students with autism, we at the Students’ Union feel it will be beneficial to all students and will be promoting this excellent resource to all!”

Naoise Crowley, SU President

The newly launched Autism&Uni Toolkit – an online resource for autistic students in UCC which supports them to navigate the university environment – has received ringing endorsement from students.

Staff in the Student Centre availed of an 'autism-friendly' training workshop which explored what autism is and, more importantly, the challenges an autistic student may face when visiting the Student Centre.

UCC students Ally, Rhona, Siobhán, Paul and Fionnán talk about their college experience and the supports they received through the Disability Support Service.

Dr Máire Leane and Kirsten Hurley delivered a presentation on 'Creating an Autism Friendly University' at the 2019 AHEAD Conference in the Croke Park Conference Centre in Dublin. AHEAD is the Association for Higher Education Access and Disability. The theme of the conference was 'Journey to Oz - Travelling Together Towards Inclusive Education'.

On the 28th of February, twenty-five members of staff completed a full day's training in the Glucksman to understand what it is like to be an autistic student in higher education and explore possible ways to support these students.

The UCC Student’s Union today announced the launch a new Autism Friendly University Project. The aim of the project is to make UCC a more autism-friendly environment to ensure that all students succeed to the very best of their abilities. 

Learn more about the Calm Zone with this video tour.