THERE is a growing call for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) parking bays to be introduced across Donegal, with families and advocacy groups pushing for greater accessibility.
Currently, ASD parking permits do not allow families with children who have Autism or additional needs to use designated disabled parking bays.
In response, Donegal County Council has agreed to contact the Department for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth to address the issue.
Cllr Donal Mandy Kelly stressed the importance of these designated parking bays, particularly in high-traffic areas such as town centres, schools, and hospitals.
Highlighting the issue at a meeting of Donegal County Council on Monday, he said: “It’s been brought to my attention by the Autism support group in Letterkenny and also members of Springboard, which is a home-based support service offering family-led intervention and prevention programs across east Donegal – also by the families that have children diagnosed with Autism that we don’t have adequate parking bays.”
While disability parking bays exist, they are not suitable for families with ASD parking permits.
“We are all aware that we do have disability bays, but these bays do not enable people with Autism that has a parking badge or permit to park in them. This has to be a separate parking bay, and I fully agree.”
A company has offered to provide ASD-friendly parking bays at no cost. However, they require approval from the council ouncil to move forward.
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