Housing Executive Brings Autism Bus to Belfast

Housing Executive staff got on the board the Autism Virtual Reality Experience Bus to learn more about the barriers and issues people with autism face.

The sessions, delivered by Training 2 Care UK, focused on providing participants with an experience of the sensory processing difficulties faced by autistic people. Staff used immersive and innovative technology, including goggles, headphones and gloves to simulate distorted vision, loud noises, and sensory overload.

Housing Executive staff also received an in-depth training session to help improve their knowledge of how people with autism experience the world.

Ashliegh, Training 2 Care’s trainer, encouraged participants to consider how they can incorporate inclusive changes in their workplace and in the way services are delivered.

Maureen Mawhinney, Chair of the Housing Executive’s Disability Work-steam, said:

“We know that where someone lives, the design of their home and how they are supported has a significant impact on their wellbeing. This firsthand experience was invaluable in deepening our understanding and empathy for the challenges faced by some of our tenants, service users and their families.

“This is why we wanted to give members of our frontline and policy teams the opportunity to experience the immersive training so we can shape our services around the needs of people with autism.”

Alison Strachan, the Customer Relationship Manager for Training 2 Care UK, added:

“We are delighted to have worked with the Housing Executive to provide the life changing Autism Reality Experience to their staff. The feedback received from the sessions has been phenomenal and we are certain that the delegates who were lucky enough to go through the experience will now feel empowered to make some very simple but hugely transformative changes to make the world a more inclusive place for everyone.

“We would like to extend our thanks to the Housing Executive for providing this life changing training to their staff and showing a commitment to not just being more aware about autism, but to actually making a difference to ensure people can make the most of the many strengths they possess.”

//ENDS//