merrion street

Minister of State with special responsibility for Disabilities, Finian McGrath, TD, today opened Botanic Horizons, a new service for people with autism, on Botanic Avenue in Glasnevin, Dublin.

Botanic Horizons is run by Autism Spectrum Disorder Initiatives (ASDI), which offer person-centred services that tailor activities to the interests and support needs of service users. Seven staff are employed at Botanic Horizons, which will provide day services and community outreach support for adults.

Speaking about the newly renovated building which houses the new service, Minister McGrath said, “The premises here have been totally remodelled to meet the needs of the service users. There is a sensory room, a quiet room, a music room, a computer room, an activity room which will allow users to have individual programmes designed around their interests and goals in areas such as Art, Cookery, Citizenship and Different Cultures.

"I am pleased to note that service users can also engage in volunteer work. Volunteers are one of the most valuable resources a community can have. The generosity of spirit of people who work together willingly for the betterment of their community and themselves is priceless."

Minister McGrath continued, “This is an exciting time for the people who will be using this state-of-the-art hub, some of whom are transitioning from school to adult day services. I am conscious, as well, that the parents of these young adults are also in a stage of transition as their young adult progresses to the next stage in their life."

The Minister added, “The needs and priorities of most people with disabilities can and should be met at the community level. As such, I wholeheartedly welcome the combination of day services and community outreach support provided by Botanic Horizons here in Glasnevin.”