DCU, NCI and ATU Sligo are, respectively, the first, second and third HEIs in Ireland to receive AsIAm designation as Autism Friendly HEIs. In 2024, CCT and DkIT both received their designations. NCAD are continuing the work in preparation for application. In 2026, we six higher education institutes are proud to work together again to host the Autism Acceptance Festival. Now in it's 5th year, this festival hosts a series of public-facing events that centred autistic people and promoted autism acceptance.
DCU, NCI and ATU Sligo are, respectively, the first, second and third HEIs in Ireland to receive AsIAm designation as Autism Friendly HEIs. In 2024, CCT and DkIT both received their designations. NCAD are continuing the work in preparation for application.
In 2026, we six higher education institutes are proud to work together again to host the Autism Acceptance Festival. Now in it's 5th year, this festival hosts a series of public-facing events that centred autistic people and promoted autism acceptance.
All main festival events are live online from 1-2pm, March 23rd-26th. Recordings are generally available after the fact, subject to the agreement of all participants.
Daily
Entries are coming in from Neurodivergent students across NCI, DCU, ATU Sligo, CCT, DkIT and NCAD for our #DivergentMinds digital exhibition, which will see a piece pushed out on social media at 11am each day.
Sunday 22nd March
Our #WatchParty this year is available thanks to TG4 and Tyrone Productions: Néara Éagsúlacht, Dearcadh Difriúil. This is a two-part documentary, in a mix of Irish and English, translated through subtitles.
Monday 23rd March 1-2pm
Néara Éágsúlacht, Dearcadh Difriúil panel discussion, featuring some of those who participated in the documentary.
Beidh an comhrá i mBéarla mar ní féidir linn aistriúchán comhuaineach a sholáthar.
Tuesday 24th March 1-2pm
Join this panel discussion with support staff and students who avail of supports: find out how to access, what to expect, and how it all works.
Wednesday 25th March 1-2pm
Panel discussion with AT staff and students who use Assistive Tech: find out about what’s available, how the best tech fit is identified, and what the future of AT might look like.
Thursday 26th March 1-2pm
With a focus on Lámh and Spell to Speak, this panel will look at options for communication and self-expression for non-speaking autistic people.