Atlantic Technological University (ATU) has been formally recognised as an Autism Friendly Campus for its Letterkenny and Killybegs campuses, marking a significant milestone in the University’s ongoing commitment to develop a supportive community where all students have an equal opportunity to succeed.
The Autism Friendly Campus designation recognises the implementation of evidence‑based measures designed to support autistic students and staff.
Detailed in a three-year action plan, supports include enhanced training and awareness, accessible learning and assessment approaches, clear communication and navigation support, and the promotion of sensory‑friendly environments across campus facilities.
The Disability and Learning support service (DLSS) in ATU provide Academic support, Autism ambassadors, a Neurodivergence drop-in centre, a Synapse neurodiversity support social group, a Cubbie regulation station and supports the Student Union Neurodivergence society.
Adam Harris, CEO of AsIam, As I Am | Ireland’s Autism Charity, said: “AsIAm, Ireland’s Autism Charity, is delighted to recognise ATU Donegal with our Autism‑Friendly Higher Education Institution Award. Our accreditation process is rigorous and requires a whole‑of‑campus approach to breaking down barriers for both Autistic students and employees. Autistic people often face invisible barriers in education and employment that prevent our community from enjoying the same opportunities to contribute and thrive, representing a significant loss of talent and perspective to academic institutions and society as a whole. Demographically, we are seeing more Autistic people ageing out of school and accessing adult diagnosis, making it critical that HEIs are fully accessible as places of study and work over the coming decade.
Adam Harris, CEO of AsIam.
“Building on ATU’s commitment to achieving national accreditation across each of its campuses, and following the recent re-accreditation in Sligo, ATU’s new status will open doors of opportunity for our community, both students and employees, while strengthening institutional understanding and accessibility. This is a key priority for our community and underscores the strategic importance and significance of ATU’s leadership in this area.”
Speaking on the achievement, Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU, said, “This recognition is an important step in ATU’s ongoing work to ensure that our campuses are welcoming, accessible and supportive places to learn and work. Achieving Autism Friendly accreditation across Letterkenny and Killybegs, alongside the re‑accreditation of our Sligo and St Angela’s campuses, reflects the collective commitment of our students, staff and partners to inclusive practice. I look forward to seeing this work continued across all campuses of ATU.”
The accreditation process involved collaboration with students, staff and external partners, ensuring that lived experience directly informs policy, practice and campus design. ATU’s approach emphasises consistency of support across its geographically dispersed campuses, enabling students to experience a cohesive and supportive university environment that is representative of the student profile.