Update on the Autism Friendly University Initiative [Dec 2020]

1 Dec 2020

The Calm Zone & Outdoor Sensory Spaces

• The Old Bar Refurbishment has been completed - and is now an autism friendly and accessible 'Calm Zone' with different spaces designed to cater for the diverse needs of our students. Funding from Bank of Ireland has supported the development of outdoors sensory spaces, including a Hawthorn Garden. These spaces will provide respite from a (usually) busy campus.

Autism&Uni Toolkit

• We have adapted the Autism&Uni Toolkit for UCC students to provide information and help with many aspects of the student journey.

Student & Stakeholder Engagement

• Students have been involved in developing both the Autism&Uni Toolkit and the Calm Zone. Relevant stakeholders have been consulted to identify potential challenges for new students with autism. The Students' Union especially welcome the upcoming opening of the Calm Zone to students and believe the Autism&Uni Toolkit will be of great benefit to all students, not just those on the spectrum.

Staff Training

• A proposed Digital Badge in Autism Awareness is being developed alongside workshops for staff.

Moving Forward...

• The next phase of the of the project will focus on staff awareness and training, as this will enable staff to understand the challenges that some of our autistic students (and staff) experience in the university environment.

• A Digital Badge is being proposed to provide staff with a more through understanding of how autism can impact on the student experiences, and ways staff can makes changes that will make their practice and communication more 'autism-friendly'.

Download the full PDF here: Update Full - Dec 2020