Killarney and Listowel Recognised at the AsIAm Autism Friendly Towns Awards 2025
Communities across Ireland were celebrated at the AsIAm Autism Friendly Towns Awards 2025, held at the Mansion House in Dublin. Launched in 2018, the initiative honours towns and cities that have made significant strides in promoting autism inclusion, understanding, and acceptance.
Killarney has been officially recognised as an autism-friendly town, receiving a prestigious award at the ceremony. One of only three towns in Ireland to receive this distinction, this accolade marks a major milestone in Killarney's commitment to fostering inclusivity and providing vital support for the autism community.
The Killarney Autism Friendly Committee, established in 2024 and led by Kevin Leahy, has worked tirelessly to implement autism-friendly initiatives throughout the town. With support and guidance from AsIAm, the national autism-friendly body, the committee has made remarkable progress in integrating autism-friendly practices into everyday life in Killarney.
Jessica O’Connor, Chair of the Killarney Autism Friendly Committee, expressed her pride: "This award is a huge achievement for Killarney, and we are incredibly proud of the progress we've made in just one year. While our journey is far from over, today’s recognition is a testament to the dedication of our entire community in making Killarney a more welcoming and inclusive place for everyone."
Listowel also celebrated success at the awards, receiving two prestigious honours: the Community Recognition Award and the Sensory Accessibility Award. The Listowel Autism Friendly Town Committee, formed in Spring 2024, has made remarkable strides toward enhancing accessibility in the town, implementing initiatives such as an autism-friendly gym, dedicated sensory business timings, and accessible community events.
The AsIAm Autism Friendly Towns Programme offers a structured framework for communities to promote autism inclusion. Towns and cities that earn and retain Autism Friendly status must show measurable progress over a three-year cycle, including the following actions:
- Establishing a voluntary Autism Friendly Town Committee
- Implementing a three-year action plan
- Engaging local employers to support autistic individuals through work experience or employment
- Training Autism Friendly Champions across key sectors
- Ensuring businesses and organisations are assistance dog-friendly to enhance accessibility
The growing number of towns like Killarney, Listowel and Tralee that are taking practical steps to make their spaces, businesses, and services more accessible to autistic individuals is a sign of the positive change happening across Ireland. The continued commitment from these communities highlights the importance of creating inclusive environments where everyone can thrive.
