Pioneering Cork-based initiative for autistic and disabled shoppers going national

A pioneering Cork-based initiative to cater for autistic and disabled shoppers has gone national after similar schemes were adopted by major retailers across the country — and even by a supermarket in the UK.

The groundbreaking move to hold a weekly autism-friendly shopping evening was first launched by Scally’s Supervalu in Clonakilty, West Cork, shortly before Christmas.

The initiative, which has been embraced by the seaside town’s community, involves dimming the store’s lights and switching off the tannoy and music for a designated period every Tuesday to create a calmer environment for people with autism.