SuperValu helps launch autism tool kit
PETTITT’S SuperValu and the autism charity AsIAm have launched the ‘Bridge Back to School’ tool kit, an autism-friendly free learning resource that is now available in-store and online.
Developed by a teacher within the Mary Immaculate College, the tool kit responds to the Covid-19 household challenges, particularly the loss of structure and routine which has been quite tough on people with autism.
The resource aims help guide those with high support needs prepare now during the summer months for the return to school in September.
CEO of AsIAm Adam Harris welcomed the key collaboration with SuperValu in the current climate.
‘Not only have the changes in routine and lack of support been a challenge for autistic students but re-establishing routine will be just as challenging. The summer months present an important opportunity for summer provision facilitators and family members to help prepare children for the transition back to education in September, but materials and guidance are needed to do so.
‘ The Bridge Back to School resource will support a young person to understand, prepare and manage the return to school.’
The tool kit focuses on some key areas for people with autism, such as sensory integration,
Adam Harris, CEO of the autism charity AsIAm.
preparing for the new year, dealing with worry and anxiety, explaining the “new normal”, social skills, self-regulation, clear communication and use of visuals.
A spokesperson for SuperValu said the grocery store is dedicated to making communities in Wexford and around Ireland more inclusive and is leading the way in autism-friendly shopping by continuously raising understanding and awareness of autism among its customers and staff.
‘We are proud of the work we are doing to raise awareness of autism and with AsIAm, we are committed to the journey of making our communities more autism-friendly and inclusive of all members. SuperValu recognises the challenges for families as they prepare for the return to school and hope that this useful and practical learning resource will be an essential support for them over the coming months.’
The tool kit can also be accessed online from the SuperValu website, supervalu.ie, plus there’s more information on Asiam.ie.
A SURVEY conducted by the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) shows national occupancy levels of 23% and 26% for the peak summer months of July and August respectively, compared to an average of 90% for the same period last year.
IHF South East branch chair, Colm Neville said the substantial drop in occupancy levels highlighted the unprecedented challenges facing the sector.
‘When we look across the water to the UK, we see the decisive action taken this week by the UK Government in their Plan for Jobs. The slashing of their VAT rate from 20% to 5% is a clear sign of their commitment to support the recovery of their tourism and hospitality industry. Given how closely our economies are intertwined, a similar cut here is necessary. The UK is not only Ireland’s biggest market for overseas tourists, it is also our biggest competitor,’ he said.
Mr Neville also called for clarity on the guidelines for gatherings. ‘Currently, capacity here is limited to 100 people, regardless of the size of the venue. We are calling on the Government to allow hotels that can safely host larger weddings to do so, based on the size and scale of the venues, rather than imposing a general limit on how many people can gather at any venue, regardless of safe capacity,’ he said.