Joint Committee on Autism to resume discussions on Autism Policy regarding access to further and higher education and employment for autistic people

The meeting will hear from Ms Julie Tonge, Disability Officer, Access & Lifelong Learning Centre, UCD; and Ms Lisa Marie Clinton, Director, Strategy and Business, Development of Adult Transition and Employment, CentralReach.

Committee Cathaoirleach Senator Micheál Carrigy said: “Further and higher education can represent a very important milestone in the lives of autistic people and their development into adulthood. It is essential that the Committee continues to engage with institutions of third level education. It is imperative that autistic people get the opportunity to participate in college and university life on an equal basis with their neurotypical peers and feel fully included. The Committee looks forward to hearing about how we can ensure that autistic people are fully included in tertiary education and university life.

“Entry into employment is another very significant milestone in the lives of many autistic people. However, 85 per cent of autistic people in Ireland are currently unemployed or underemployed. The Committee wishes to learn more about how we can rectify this situation and make sure that autistic people have the same opportunity to work and how we can remove any barriers to accessing employment.”

“Members looks forward to engaging with Ms Tonge and Ms Clinton and to hearing their views on these critical matters for autistic people and their families.”

The Joint Committee on Autism has 13 Members, eight from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.

The meeting in Committee Room 4 can be viewed live on Oireachtas TV.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.