National College of Ireland invites you to join the Autism Acceptance Festival 2025

Towards Autism Friendly Neighbourhoods will start with a reflection on the short film (<7m) Landscapes of Escape, with one of the researchers/filmmakers, Dr Stuart Neilson, including a short student video in response to his work and a general discussion on how to put theory into practice. This will be moderated by me. We will use a #WatchParty hashtag on social media to push the film out in advance of this discussion, so that the audience can come prepared.

Tuesday, March 25th – Autistic Staff Experiences in Higher Education shares research by Neil Kenny and Jane O’Kelly from DCU, expanding the conversation with lecturer Eoin Salley from CCT who is sharing his personal experience. The conversation is moderated by Fiona Early, Autism Friendly University Coordinator at DCU.

Wednesday, March 26th – Libraries and the Autistic Community looks at how both academic and public libraries are creating more inclusive environments, with Dr Johanna Archbold from ATU library and Ultan McNasser from Sligo Central Library leading the conversation, joined by NCI’s Tamara Malone for a panel discussion chaired by Mary McShane from DkIT Library. NCI library will also be highlighting some neurodivergent reads for our library visitors for the week.

Thursday, March 27th – Harnessing Neurodiversity in the Modern Workplace – NCI’s Dave Cormack will explore how both employers and employees, typical and neurodivergent people, can work together to fully realise the potential of neurodivergent people in the workplace.

Throughout this 4-day festival and continuing into April, there will be a social media exhibition of artwork by neurodivergent students from across all the colleges: #DivergentMinds will also be posted to and archived on NCI’s website.

March 24th – 27th – The NCAD Gallery on Thomas Street will be hosting an Exhibition of Autism Acceptance posters by some of their neurodivergent students from 11am-6pm – free entry and no booking required.

Saturday, March 29th – NCI hosts an AsIAm Employment Seminar in our Mayor Square building from 9.30am-5pm.

Supported by Bank of Ireland and Community Foundation Ireland, this real-world event aims to support both Autistic Jobseekers and employers interested in becoming more autism friendly.

Please Note: The 2-5pm session is strictly for Autistic Jobseekers. There is no charge for this event, but booking is essential, and you can find a detailed schedule and registration information on the AsIAm website.

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