Irish actor Colin Farrell has announced he has launched a foundation in the US to support young people with special needs and their families.

The Colin Farrell Foundation aims to transform “the lives of individuals and families living with intellectual disability through education, awareness, advocacy, and innovative programs.”

Farrell shared the news in an on-camera interview with People magazine in the US, sharing his own experience in raising a son with an intellectual disability.

The actor’s son James has Angelman’s syndrome, a rare neurogenetic disorder that can cause delayed development, difficulties with speech and in some cases, seizures.

In the interview, the actor said “I want the world to be kind to James. I want the world to treat him with kindness and respect.”

"I'm proud of him every day, because I just think he's magic," he said.

James will soon turn 21, and like many young people with disabilities in the US, he will be too old to avail of a number of supports for families with disabled members.

The foundation aims to aid young adults with intellectual disabilities in transitioning to adult life by providing them with services and support.

The organisation will campaigning on a number of issues, one of which is the lack of purpose built housing for adults living with intellectual disabilities.

On their website, the foundation said that their “goal is to create both small group homes, and large-scale communities, with access to meaningful and enriching day programs, across the country.”

Farrell is the president of the new foundation, while his sister Claudine is Vice President.

The award-winning actor has been working with disabled people for a number of years, walking with athletes at the 2003 Special Olympics in Ireland.