Irish Society for Autism gratefully accepts €6 million legacy from Laois woman, Elizabeth O’Kelly. The charity will focus the funds on awareness, research and training.
The Irish Society for Autism has today welcomed the legacy of six million euro from the late Elizabeth O’Kelly. The donation will go towards the charity’s work promoting awareness of autism, driving research, and training those in contact with people with autism.
Founded in 1963 by a group of parents of children with Autism, the Irish Society for Autism is the longest established dedicated charity for people with autism in Ireland. As the largest single donation received by the charity to date, the funds will provide significant support to their services. This work includes training those in contact with people with autism, particularly in education, providing support services to families, and sharing knowledge with legislators to encourage understanding and appropriate responses to the needs of those living with autism.
Tara Matthews, Deputy Executive Director of the Irish Society for Autism, said, “We are greatly appreciative of Mrs O’Kelly’s enormously generous donation. A contribution of this size will have a major impact on the society’s work and help to progress the understanding of autism within Ireland. Equipped with knowledge and training, we can all make a significant impact in helping improve the lives of those with autism and their families.”
