SuperValu has announced that Clonakilty town, alongside Scally’s, has officially been designated with an Autism Friendly status by AsIAm.
“Following the overwhelmingly positive response we received from the Autism community in Clonakilty, Scally’s SuperValu knew that there was more we could do to help,” said Catriona Scally, Scally’s SuperValu Clonakilty.
In 2015, Scally’s SuperValu in Clonakilty was the first retailer in Ireland to implement changes in-store that would ensure that members of the Autism Community could enjoy a better shopping experience.
Showing Commitment
All organisations within the West Cork town have committed to putting the following measures in place: staff training; a Social Story; becoming service-dog friendly; and also to introduce one sensory activity (e.g. a relaxation box, a quiet time or quiet room).
The grocer explained that in addition to this, a town plan has been designed to ensure that the Autism Friendly accreditation is sustained and extended to any and all organisations in the community wanting to contribute to its ongoing success.
First For Ireland
'This is a first for Ireland and marks one major step in the on-going partnership between Adam Harris, Founder of AsIAm, Middletown Centre for Autism and SuperValu who, together, are committed to raising understanding and awareness of autism in communities across Ireland,' the retailer said in a statement.
“At SuperValu our ambition is to build more inclusive communities across Ireland,” Martin Kelleher, managing director, SuperValu said.
“Our work with AsIAm and Middletown Centre for Autism over the past year has opened our eyes to what we can do beyond the each and every store to ensure we use our unique position in the heart of 217 Irish communities to make positive changes across Ireland."
© 2018 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
