The National Transport Authority (NTA) and Ireland’s Autism Charity, AsIAm, have today launched a campaign to promote the “Prepare Me AsIAm for Public Transport” initiative. This aims to enhance accessibility and ease of use for autistic individuals and their families across the Transport for Ireland Network.
According to AsIAm, one in sixty-five people in Ireland are autistic and AsIAm often uses the analogy of a crowded train station in a foreign country to portray how life can feel for many autistic people. With a series of unfamiliar sounds, smells and incomprehensible directions, it would be easy for anyone to become overwhelmed.
The “Prepare Me AsIAm for Public Transport” campaign aims to provide helpful tools, which include how-to videos and activity packs, to Autistic people to help them navigate public transport in Ireland.
These resources introduce transport environments and procedures, allowing users to build familiarity with journey expectations in advance. With resources made available both online and in print, the initiative aims to make Ireland’s public transport more inclusive and accessible for autistic individuals, providing greater independence and confidence in using the network.
Naomi Rooney, Transport Accessibility Manager for the NTA said: “The NTA is committed to ensuring our public transport system serves all passengers, including those in the autistic community. The ‘Prepare Me As I Am’ initiative is a major step toward inclusivity, giving people the support needed to confidently and comfortably navigate public transport services, making a positive impact on so many lives.”
The initiative builds on the success of last year’s campaign and ongoing efforts to enhance the transport accessibility across the Transport for Ireland Network.
For more information, please visit www.transportforireland.ie/accessibility/as-i-am/.
