Michael Ring TD, the Minister for Rural and Community Development, has this week announced funding of €43,896 to provide sensory facilities and equipment in Castlebar and Ballina public libraries.
This investment will help individuals with sensory impairments, special educational needs and other learning differences, and those on the Autism spectrum. The funding is part of almost €700,000 national investment in our public libraries to support people living with autism or learning differences.
Sensory resources could include but are not limited to the following: (1 ) Sensory library rooms, (2 ) Sensory play equipment and toys, (3 ) Assistive technologies, (4 ) Autism friendly signage and (5 ) Books and social stories.
Announcing the funding, Minister Ring said: "I am very aware of the struggles some people face living with autism or learning differences. I want these people and their families to see our libraries in Mayo as a safe and welcoming space for them, somewhere they can have fun in and learn and that is why I am delighted to announce this investment.
"This funding aims to improve the library experience and services for parents, guardians and carers of children, teens and adults with sensory impairments, additional needs and learning differences. Ultimately, we are working to ensure that library services are inclusive, accessible and equitable to all, reflecting a key commitment in our public libraries strategy. This funding follows on from the €26,000 which I allocated last year for sensory facilities in libraries in Mayo."
Castlebar Library will work closely with Castlebar Autism Friendly Committee, Mayo Autism Camp, local special needs schools and local Special Needs Assistants (SNAs ) in ensuring that the local community derives maximum benefit from the new facilities. Likewise, Ballina Library will work closely with Ballina Autism Support Group, the Newman Institute, Shore Farm Pony Therapy and a number of local schools including: Behymore N.S., Rehins N.S., Scoil Croí Íosa, St. Dympna’s Special School and St. Nicholas Special School.
Minister Ring concluded saying: "Our public libraries play a very important role in assisting in the delivery of additional educational services to achieve our Sustainable Development Goals and this funding will increase their capacity to continue this great work."
