DONEGAL’S Eric Roberts has been announced as ambassador for the 2026 Same Chance Walk for Autism.
Ireland’s autism charity AsIAm launched the 2026 Same Chance Walk for Autism, which will take place on Sunday, April 12 as part of World Autism Month.
Proudly supported by PTSB, communities across Ireland are being invited to step out in support of autistic people and their families.
Fresh from his appearance on Dancing with the Stars, presenter Eric Roberts is swapping the dancefloor for the footpath as the official ambassador for the walk.
Eric brings a deeply personal connection to the campaign, inspired by his autistic nephew Oisín, and has long been a passionate advocate for autism acceptance and inclusion.
A former Special Needs Assistant (SNA), he regularly uses his platform to promote greater understanding of autism.
Speaking at the launch, Eric Roberts said:“Being an Ambassador for the Same Chance Walk means a huge amount to me. My nephew Oisín is Autistic, and seeing the world through his eyes has completely shaped my understanding of inclusion and acceptance.
“Through my work as an SNA and through my social platforms, I’ve seen how important it is to create a society where Autistic people feel understood and supported.
“The Same Chance Walk is about bringing people together and making sure everyone gets the same chance in life, and I’m incredibly proud to be part of this campaign.”
Adam Harris (CEO, AsIAm) pictured with Courtnee Kyle PTSB and Eric Roberts as they officially launched AsIAm’s Same Chance Walk for Autism. Picture Brian McEvoy
This year’s Same Chance Walk for Autism aims to raise over €200,000 to support AsIAm’s work providing advocacy, services and supports for Autistic people and their families across Ireland.
Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm, explained that “April marks World Autism Month – an important opportunity for Autistic people to highlight the pervasive, invisible barriers which prevent our community from having the same chance to live, learn, work and play in villages, towns and cities across Ireland.
“It is estimated that at least 1 in 20 people in Ireland may be Autistic and yet our community faces endless barriers to accessing basic supports in school, the community and the world of work.
“Our organisation is providing a wide range of free support to Autistic people across Ireland, and yet just to stand still we must raise 50c in every euro we spend, with demand far exceeding our capacity.
“At the same time, we see rising misinformation around Autism leading to increased stigma, isolation and loneliness within the community.
“That is why we are so honoured to have Eric Roberts and PTSB working with us to amplify our message of Autism acceptance in April, and across the year. By joining the same chance walk, you will literally take steps to help us change these realities for our community. ”
On Sunday, April 12, flagship walks will take place at Belmont Demesne, Greystones, Wicklow, and Kylemore Abbey, Galway, with people of all ages and abilities invited to take part with friends and family in support of Autism inclusion.
For those unable to attend the flagship walks, AsIAm is encouraging people to organise community walks in their county, town or village throughout the month of April with friends, schools, workplaces or local clubs, helping to make the campaign a truly nationwide movement.
By taking part, participants will help raise vital funds while also supporting greater awareness and understanding of Autism across Irish society.
Sign up today at www.AsIAm.ie