Ferrybank Post Office have launched a new ASD friendly hour, which will run on Tuesday and Wednesdays from 3pm to 4pm.
This change comes in response to an incident where a child is said to have run out onto the busy road.
The ASD hour initiative was led by Jennifer Roche from United in Blue Waterford ASD Group.
United in Blue began as an advocacy group for children with ASD with a focus on lack of appropriate school places for Children with ASD in Waterford.
The group has since evolved to advocate on multiple issues and offer support to parents as they navigate the lonely journey of raising a child with ASD.
“We have noticed there is not a lot of ASD friendly spaces in Waterford,” explained Jennifer.
“I am from this community [Ferrybank] and there is not a lot to do activity wise, we are working on that. In the meantime, we would love shops to get on board, that’s why I approached Linda [Kennedy] and asked would they be interested in hosting an ASD hour. She was more than happy to do it,” said Jennifer.
“Our aim here is for parent to be able to come in sit down, relax, have that 5 minutes we never get,” she continued.
“The door is going to be manned. The kids can go to the sensory wall, if they need some time they can go into the sensory tent. They will receive a fidget toy that they can bring home. And there are some treat cones as a diversion for them to go home.
“Each time they come they will get a fidget. We really want our children to know that the Post Office is a safe zone. So, if they are ever having any problems or anything they can come to the girls and know that they are safe.
“The amount of children with ASD and additional needs in the Ferrybank alone is quite large and there are no activities in Ferrybank for those children. Going forward we hope to get some sort of room, or maybe a homework club for them to relax,” she added.
VULNERABLE CUSTOMERS
Manager of Ferrybank Post Office, Linda Kennedy, also spoke with The Munster Express.
“We know Jen [Roche] since I started here,” she explained. “All through her pregnancy and since TJ was born. And obviously TJ has a form of Autism too, so we were more than happy to go ahead with all of this.
“Jen helped us by telling us what would be good for the kids, the boards, the sensory toys, the blackout tent. We are just hoping that it will make the parents’ visit to the post office a bit easier and that when they come, they can keep the door closed so if anyone is a flight risk they will be safe, there’s plenty of toys for the kids to play with and the parents then will be able to do their business and get out hopefully without any drama.”
Linda gave an example of one customer who would wait until the shop was just about to close before coming in with her son to buy a Roblox card.
She also explained that An Post have a dedicated Vulnerable Customers department, who manage initiatives like the JAM or Just a Minute card, which vulnerable customers use to advise staff they need extra time to do their business.
Sinn Fein TD David Cullinane was present for the launch along with Sinn Fein Councillor for Waterford South Cllr. Joeanne Bailey. The Munster Express spoke with Deputy Cullinane and asked what difference these kinds of initiatives can make in a community.
“I want to thank Linda and all her staff here in the Post Office for making this available. I think the more public premises that are assessable to children with disabilities the better so providing space for children in certain areas, for providing facilities, having what is essentially a sensory room in a post office,” he said.
“That should be in as many facilities as possible,” he added. “Many children with disabilities feel excluded and parents find it difficult to go to place like this. Obviously due the nature of the disability parents can find it very difficult to manage a child. So, whatever can be done to make it more inclusive and comfortable for the parent and child it is important.
“So well done to everyone involved, including the organisers. Obviously, the post office as well. It’s the first that I’ve seen and hopefully others will follow suit,” Deputy Cullinane added.
The Munster Express asked Cllr. Joeanne Bailey how she thinks Waterford fairs in terms of ASD inclusivity.
“I think we are getting better, I know Autism Friendly Waterford do a lot of work and have brought on a lot of businesses in the city centre and credit has to be given to that group for the work that they do. Days like today really show the difference small groups can make in their local community,” she said.
“Hopefully after this in Ferrybank more post offices and more businesses will do something similar.”
When asked about the difficulty in finding school places for children with ASD in Waterford, Cllr. Bailey said: “I deal with cases all the time where people can’t get a place in school for their children”.
“It’s just not good enough. The government have to do more and put more money into ASD services. People can’t just be left to figure it all out for themselves,” Cllr. Bailey added.
AARON KENT Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
