April NUI Galway marks World Autism Awareness Day with opening of the Cubbie Sensory Hub

NUI Galway has officially opened the Cubbie Sensory Hub - a safe space on-campus for students and staff to balance sensory needs.

The event was held today to mark World Autism Day, Saturday April 2^nd. 

The opening of the Cubbie forms part of NUI Galway’s wider efforts to break down barriers to inclusion by investing in facilities and supports to make the campus friendlier for autistic people. 

President of NUI Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said: “The continued development of our campus to be a more supportive and accessible space for all is an important aspect of the University’s work going forward. In line with our values of openness and respect for others, significant strides are being made to ensure that not only do we welcome everyone to NUI Galway, but we also endeavour to ensure that their experience as part of our campus community is an equitable and rewarding one.” 

The Cubbie is a wheelchair accessible, multi-sensory, safe space which can be used by both students and staff. It can be accessed by one person at a time and delivers a bespoke sensory audio/visual programme, helping people who may feel overwhelmed to regulate emotions and feelings and so better participate in daily activities. 

The space can pre-empt overloads and balance sensory needs by regulating, alerting or calming senses, and helping with anxiety and mindfulness. 

Any student or staff member who wishes to use the Cubbie sensory hub is encouraged to go along to Level 1, Áras Uí Chathail (upstairs from the Access Centre) where it is located. There is no requirement to be registered for disability support with the University’s Disability Support Service or with Human Resources to access this sensory hub.

If a student or staff requires an individual sensory profile please contact christian.short@nuigalway.ie for further information.

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