New sensory garden opens at Ratoath College

A NEW sensory garden which was created by staff and transition year students of Ratoath College was officially opened last week.

The sensory garden is at Ionad Arkle, the school's Special Class for students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

Ionad Arkle is based in a state of the art facility in the school's new building, which includes three base classrooms. The garden was devised by teachers and transition year students working together and is designed to meet the needs of the students.

The garden, which is an inclusive learning retreat, also strives to tackle the issue of climate change and environmental sustainability as well as awareness.

"It is a terrific space outside the classrooms. If a student is overwhelmed they can go outside and enjoy the calm," said Cllr Nick Killian, chairman of Louth Meath Education and Training Board.

The official opening of the garden was performed by Rory O'Connor of Rory's Stories who said that massive credit must go to those involved in the project for the part they have played in allowing future generations to be themselves.

"I have a young son on the autism spectrum and he is doing really well. Early intervention is the key. Yes, he has his own ways, but as long as he is happy," I don't care.

"Without people on the spectrum, this world would be at a standstill. The people who make changes in this world are people who think outside the box.

"These people may struggle with normal things like getting dressed, making food, their brains struggle with that, but the reason the universe is going in the right direction is because of the people who think outside the box," he said.