Autism Reality Experience Bus Visits Newry
8th Apr 2025
In recognition of Autism Acceptance month this April, the Learning Support team together with Student Engagement and Campus Services staff at Southern Regional College (SRC), launched early awareness initiatives by hosting the Autism Reality Experience bus at Newry West campus on Thursday 20th and Friday 21st March.
The experience, organised by The Promoting Well Being Team within the Southern Health & Social Care Trust (SHSCT), catered for 60 participants which included family members/carers, teachers and members of the local community and voluntary organisations. Each session lasted three hours, with evening slots also available to maximise engagement.
The training was designed to give participants a virtual experience of living with autism and included the Autism Reality Experience, as well as information on ‘Take 5’ workshops and local autism support services.
Aidan McCabe, Promoting Well Being Manager with the SHSCT was delighted to be able to bring this valuable service to the local area once again highlighting:
“With greater public awareness on autism, it can help individuals with autism and make lives easier for families and caregivers, it also enriches our society by helping people accept the wonderful differences that we all have.”
For the College, enabling staff to better support students with autism is a top priority. By fostering empathy and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by autistic individuals, the College aims to create a more inclusive environment, from the first point of contact at the reception desk through to support within the classroom. The training has equipped staff with the skills to communicate more effectively and confidently with students on the autism spectrum.
Speaking on the experience, Donna Hughes, Head of Learning Support at Southern Regional College commented:
“Ultimately, the goal of autism training is to enhance the academic and social success of students on the autism spectrum. Well-trained staff that interact daily with students contribute to a more supportive, accessible, and equitable learning environment for students at SRC.”
The Autism Reality experience was co-ordinated by the Newry City Neighbourhood Renewal Health subgroup and funded by the Department of Communities.
Pictured: SRC Learning Support Co-ordinators from Newry and Armagh campuses alongside Autism Reality Experience facilitator.
