Project Reference: 2019-2-MT01-KA205-051286
Status: Completed | Duration: 01.10.2019 – 31.07.2022 | EU Grant: €166,054.00
Programme: Erasmus+ | Action Type: Strategic Partnerships for Youth
Countries Involved: Malta, and three other EU nations
Project Background
Autism currently affects around 1 in 59 people across Europe, with young people on the autism spectrum facing persistent challenges in communication, mobility, and daily independence. In response to growing awareness, the European Parliament adopted the Written Declaration on Autism in 2015, urging the EU and member states to implement a strategic approach to autism support.
The Autism Friendly Spaces project was born out of this momentum, aiming to close the gap in services and inclusion for autistic youth. Inspired by both research and personal experiences shared by youth workers and organizations like the Autism Parents Association, the project targeted the need for adaptable services, inclusive environments, and greater awareness across multiple community sectors.
Core Objectives
The project’s overarching goal was to create a more inclusive society by adapting everyday services and spaces to the needs of autistic individuals. Key objectives included:
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Raising Awareness and Providing Education: Through interactive online learning modules and a dedicated website, the project aimed to train community members on autism-related needs.
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Creating a Certification System: A new system was developed to officially recognize and promote public and private spaces that are accessible and welcoming to autistic individuals.
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Establishing a Youth Hub: A pilot space was designed specifically for autistic youth to socialize, learn, and participate in meaningful activities based on their preferences.
Beyond autistic youth, the project also engaged families, caregivers, educators, youth workers, employers, and business owners—encouraging a collective shift toward inclusivity.
Implementation and Activities
The project was brought to life through a series of well-coordinated actions:
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Transnational Meetings: Three key meetings allowed the project partners to align on goals, discuss implementation, and monitor progress.
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Four Intellectual Outputs: These included the development of online modules, a certification system, a dedicated website and mobile app, and the piloting of youth hubs.
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Training for Professionals: A Learning, Teaching, and Training activity was held in Malta (Jan 2022), where youth workers, educators, and leaders received hands-on training and visited accredited Autism Friendly locations.
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Multiplier Events: Held across partner countries, these events showcased project results and inspired local establishments to become more autism-inclusive.
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Ongoing Project Management: Regular consortium and bilateral meetings ensured deadlines were met and the quality of deliverables remained high throughout the long project cycle.
Key Results and Outputs
The project achieved impactful, practical results that continue to serve communities:
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Online Training Modules: Two tailored sets of four interactive, user-friendly modules were launched for different audience types, offering free education on creating inclusive environments.
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Autism Friendly Certification: Businesses and public entities could now apply for certification by making sensory-friendly adjustments, training staff, and designating ‘Autism Ambassadors’ within their teams.
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Youth Hub Pilot: A co-created, inclusive space was developed with input from autistic youth themselves—focusing on their interests, independence, and social development through non-formal education.
Conclusion
Autism Friendly Spaces stands out as a holistic and sustainable initiative that combines awareness, education, certification, and community engagement. It not only supported young people with autism but also empowered those around them—educators, employers, and families—to foster more understanding, inclusive, and accessible spaces. This project serves as a replicable model for how EU-funded initiatives can reshape public spaces and services for greater equity and participation.
