Autism Acceptance Festival
DCU, NCI and ATU Sligo are, respectively, the first, second and third HEIs in Ireland to receive AsIAm designation as Autism Friendly HEIs. In 2024, CCT and DkIT both received their designations. NCAD are continuing the work in preparation for application.
In 2025, we six higher education institutes are proud to work together again to host the Autism Acceptance Festival. Now in it's 4th year, this festival hosts a series of public-facing events that centre autistic people and promote autism acceptance.
Learn more about the speakers in this event and find more events in this series by visiting our Festival Hub.
Libraries and the Autistic Community
Time: 1-2pm
Date: Wednesday 26th March
"A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people. It is a never-failing spring in the desert." - Andrew Carnegie.
Both academic and public libraries are creating more inclusive environments and services to support the autistic community. Dr Johanna Archbold from ATU Library will share developments in inclusive practices within their academic libraries, focusing on space design, service accessibility, engagement strategies, and tailored support initiatives. Ultan McNasser from Sligo Central Library will showcase their SenseAbility programme, designed to enhance accessibility for neurodivergent individuals, as well as their ongoing community engagement initiatives. The presentation will also highlight The Word, a monthly literary event co-hosted by Sligo Central Library and ATU Sligo’s BA in Writing & Literature, where students and staff actively participate and present their work.
Tamara Malone from NCI’s Norma Smurfit Library, who has created a display of neurodivergent reads for library visitors during the festival week, will join a panel discussion, chaired by Mary McShane from DKIT Library. A student voice will be included in the panel to provide firsthand insights into the impact of these initiatives.
Our Panelists
Bios for our panelists can be found at the end of the page.
How to Register
Sign up via the form below to secure your place at this event.
Other Autism Acceptance Festival Events
If you are interested in finding out more about our other events, please visit our Festival Hub to check out what is happening.
More information on our panelists
Dr Johanna Archbold
Dr Johanna Archbold is the Head Librarian for ATU Library Sligo with over 15 years experience in research, academic libraries, research funding and creative enterprise. In ATU she leads a team who is committed to enhancing the spaces, services and supports for the diverse learners who attend the University to ensure that they have an engaging and successful student experience. Johanna joined ATU Library from a leadership role in TUS Library and previously in RCSI Library. Johanna has a PhD in 18th century print culture (Trinity College Dublin), a Library Masters (UCD) and a Cert in Data Management & Analytics (DBS) and is the ATU representative Board Member for the Yeats Society, Sligo.
Ultan McNasser
Ultan McNasser is an Executive Librarian with Sligo Libraries for over 20 years. In this time, he has managed various branches throughout the County network and lead project teams focused on enhancing & upgrading service delivery to the public. Ultan holds a HDip in Library & information studies and a Master’s Degree in Modern Irish History.
Mary McShane
Mary McShane is a library assistant at Dundalk Institute of Technology De Chastelain library. She has a keen interest in generative AI tools, positive mental health initiatives for students and the promotion of the Irish language in libraries.