Mayo church becomes Autism Friendly Champion
St Mary’s Church introduces sensory supports and dedicated quiet spaces to foster greater inclusion
St Mary’s Church in Westport has officially become an Autism Friendly Champion, with a range of new measures introduced to make the church more accessible and welcoming for autistic people and their families.
The new autism-friendly provisions came into effect yesterday (Sunday, September 27), and include a dedicated quiet space in the sacristy where visitors can access a sensory box containing ear defenders and fidget tools.
Reduced lighting and noise are also available, while special seating has been provided close to the sacristy and at the Sacred Heart Altar.
Priority access into and out of the church is available through the South Mall Corridor, while St Mary’s can also be used as an autism-friendly quiet space to visit during the day.
The church welcomes assistance dogs and has also made a visual guide to its premises available to help visitors familiarise themselves with the surroundings before attending.
The initiative is aimed at fostering greater inclusion, understanding and support for autistic people and their families in Westport and the wider community.
St Mary’s Church said it was delighted to begin the journey as an Autism Friendly Champion and encouraged the local community to join in supporting the initiative.