by Gráinne Connolly
Derry City and Strabane District Council, in partnership with the Public Health Agency, will host a special event today (Wednesday 28th March), to showcase the work of its Access and Inclusion project to lead the Council area in striving towards becoming autism friendly.
The event in Strabane’s Alley Theatre will celebrate the venues in the Council area who have received the Autism Impact Award.
“There are over 20 venues within the City and District who are achieving the Autism Impact Award and nearly 500 people have attended training in autism awareness in 2017/2018,” explained Inclusion and Access Coordinator at DCSDC Louise Boyce.
“This is an amazing stride in access and inclusion within the District, whereby a framework has been established within arts and cultural venues, alongside some of Council’s facilities.
“Training, facilitated by Autism NI, and small changes that venues have committed to implementing, in turn create a huge impact for people affected by autism.”
“We will have key note speakers, great entertainment and explain the benefits of becoming autism friendly and what this means for us as a District.”
This event will also be part of World Autism Awareness Week, and takes place from 10am until 1pm, with a light lunch provided afterwards.
The event is open to all who have an interest and admission is free, although booking is recommended.
Further information is available by calling 028 71 384444 or online at www.alley-theatre.com.

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