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Fifteen implications of the National Disability Strategy Implementation Plan on accessible service delivery

In one of our recent updates we highlighted that the Irish Government has recently launched the National Disability Strategy Implementation Plan 2013-2015.  The plan has a number of implications/actions for all government departments and public bodies under their aegis (including Local Authorities) that will assist in making public services more accessible. The actions below focus on making information, the built environment, transport, national parks and public services accessible for all: 

  1. All government departments and public bodies under their aegis will ensure delivery of disability and mental health awareness training to staff, particularly frontline staff, including through NDA e-learning training module.
  2. All government departments and public bodies under their aegis will ensure customer care charters address the needs of persons with disabilities.
  3. All government departments and public bodies under their aegis will ensure appropriate public complaints procedure is in place for dealing with complaints under the Disability Act and right of appeal to the Ombudsman.
  4. All departments will ensure effective application of Disability Impact Assessment in developing proposals for policy and legislation.
  5. The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport will ensure as far as possible that appropriate disability awareness training is provided by public transport operators to their staff and management.
  6. All departments and public bodies under their aegis will develop and support initiatives to promote positive attitudes to disability.
  7. All departments and public bodies under their aegis will ensure websites are accessible to people with disabilities.
  8. All government departments and public bodies under their aegis will ensure procedures in place so that information published is available in alternative formats where appropriate or on request.
  9. The Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht will ensure any new signage and interpretive displays in National Parks and Wildlife Services visitor sites will contain appropriate enhancements for those with visual, auditory, intellectual and mobility impairments and information on same will be promoted through National Parks and Wildlife Services website.
  10. All government departments and public bodies under their aegis will ensure all corporate plans include focus on ensuring accessibility of services and programmes throughout the body concerned.
  11. All Local Authorities will Include accessibility as an objective throughout all new Local Authority development plans, in line with National Disability Authority guidance.
  12. All government departments and public bodies under their aegis will iimprove the accessibility and ensure effective maintenance of accessibility of public buildings and facilities.
  13. The Department of Social Protection will Deliver (and support the delivery of) a quality, comprehensive and up-to-date information service on social welfare supports for customers with disabilities including on-line and through SMS and ensure all forms and leaflets are accessible to people with different levels of literacy ability.
  14. All departments and public bodies under their aegis will ensure by 2015 public areas and public buildings are accessible in line with relevant building standards as far as practicable.
  15. Local Authorities on an on-going basis will support the roll out of the accessible towns and villages programme, with local businesses and community groups to provide quality services to persons with disabilities.

If you would like further information on the National Disability Strategy Implementation Plan or making information, the built environment, transport, national parks or public services accessible for all, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01-4151285 or [email protected]