Autism Acceptance
Background
We asked autistic people and people with autism spectrum conditions (ASCs), as well as their family, friends and carers to tell us what would make the Isle of Man a truly autism-friendly place.
An overwhelming majority of people said they would like to see greater efforts to raise awareness and increase public understanding of autism and ASCs.
Our Aims
April is international Autism Acceptance Month, so it offers a perfect opportunity to promote a national conversation about the ways we can all contribute to making a truly autism-friendly Island. Last year, we sought to speak to members of the local community hearing from businesses and organisations on how they make themselves more autism-friendly and from individuals with autism on the challenges they face and their hopes for the future. This year, we again hope to promote understanding and acceptance of autism and ASCs with updated information and resources for organisations and individuals alike.
Guidance on how to be more autism-friendly
Human stories
Case studies (learn from what others have done)
Do you have a story about how you’ve made your environment more autism-friendly? Contact us at publichealth@gov.im.
- Spotlight on Villa Gaiety
- Villa Gaiety provide 360° online maps of each venue, so they can be explored before attending any events or performances. They also provide additional assistance to those who require it, relaxed performances, essential companion scheme and information on how to get to each venue
- Bus Vannin are one of the leading organisations for using the Sunflower Hidden Disabilities programme in the Island. Part of this service is providing virtual tours of their single and double decker buses
- Ronaldsway airport provide information online about the process of going through security so that people can find out what to expect in advance of travelling. The airport also supports the Sunflower Hidden Disabilities programme
- The Isle of Man Government’s recruitment platform, Jobtrain, uses a ReciteMe accessibility toolbar, which allows users to increase font size, change colours, access a dictionary and enable a screen mask to help make the text easier to read and understand for neurodiverse users. They also ask each applicant whether they require any special provisions when invited to interview
- Human stories interviews
Local contacts and resources
- Autism in Mann - email: autisminmann@manx.net, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/autisminmann or call: +44 7624 480167
- Autism Initiatives – email: paul.ormond-smith@autisminitiatives.org or call: +44 1624 814801
- Crossroads Isle of Man – email: info@crossroadsiom.org or call: +44 1624 673103
- Manx Mencap – support for people with learning disabilities - email: mencap@manx.net or call: +44 1624 677289
- The Autism and Social Communication Liaison Officer (ASCLO) can offer advice about supporting the communication needs of children and young people in education. Email: asc@sch.im or call: +447624 298781
- The Isle of Man Government Disability Employment Service can assist employers and employees by providing guidance and assistance
- The Workplace Wellbeing Group provides a forum for organisations to share best practice and advice
- The Chamber of Commerce holds a Positive Health and Wellbeing Forum to encourage networking and collaboration between organisations interested in fostering employee wellbeing
- The Department for Enterprise offers an accessibility grant scheme for businesses wishing to make adjustments in line with the Equality Act (2017). You can download an application form and find more information about the scheme online or by contacting dfemarketing@gov.im
- Time Enough is a free listing site for Isle of Man events and services – get in touch to tell them about your inclusive events or locations, so that they can help spread the word
- ACE group at Jurby Community Centre – a group for parents/carers of children of all ages with additional learning and/or support needs to meet and chat. They meet every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month between 9am to 12pm. ACE sessions are group led and will be joined on the 3rd Wednesday of the month by the Autism Social and Communication Liaison Officer. Email: hello@jnci.im or call: +44 1624 818015 for more information
