Ballina honoured at Autism Friendly Town Awards
Pictured at the AsIAm Autism Friendly Town Awards 2026 were, from left: award judges Charlene Tait and Laragh Smith, Adam Harris (AsIAm), Ballina committee representatives Rebecca Connor-Wood, Elisha Beattie and Annette Kenny, and Eric Roberts and Courtnee Kyle (PTSB).
Ballina was among five communities across Ireland recognised with new autism friendly status at the AsIAm Autism Friendly Towns Awards 2026, which took place at Dublin City Hall.
In achieving Autism Friendly Town status, Ballina joins other established leaders in creating more inclusive spaces for autistic people and their families.
A number of communities were also recognised at the awards event for their outstanding contributions in specific areas, with Ballina and Westport recipients of the Community Engagement Award, honouring their outstanding work in creating inclusive public spaces.
AsIAm CEO Adam Harris said the Autism Friendly Towns Awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise the communities and organisations taking meaningful steps to create a more inclusive Ireland for autistic people.
“At AsIAm, we know that building autism-friendly communities has a lasting impact on the everyday lives of autistic people and their families. Our Same Chance research shows that over half of Autistic people report barriers to participating fully in community life.
“These awards not only celebrate progress, but also encourage others across Ireland to take positive steps towards greater inclusion.”
AsIAm’s Autism Friendly Towns Award provides a structured yet achievable framework for communities of all sizes to foster inclusion. Towns and cities earn and retain Autism Friendly status by demonstrating progress over a three-year cycle, guided by clear criteria.
This includes establishing a voluntary Autism Friendly Town committee, implementing a three-year action plan, engaging local employers to support autistic individuals through work experience or employment, training Autism Friendly Champions across key sectors, and ensuring businesses and organisations are assistance dog-friendly to enhance accessibility.
