News & Opinions Archive - OHerlihy Access Consultancy

How to Embed Accessibility & Universal Design in Everything You Do

August 28, 2026
Sofia

This webinar aims to explore accessibility and Universal Design. Accessibility is not just about meeting legal requirements; it’s about creating environments that are usable for everyone, regardless of their ability.

Is your property portfolio truly accessible, or just compliant?

August 26, 2026
Sofia

We are excited to invite you to our 1-hour webinar "Beyond Compliance: Embedding Universal Design in Large Property". Webinar Overview For large organisations, meeting standard building regulations or code compliance is no longer enough. To truly enhance safety, usability, and inclusivity…

Grid of nine training course images showing accessible events, neurodiversity, workplace inclusion, disability awareness, accessible services, built environment accessibility and accessible tourism.

OHAC Autumn 2026 Training Programme

August 19, 2026
Sofia

OHAC’s Autumn 2026 public training programme brings together five practical courses designed to help organisations strengthen accessibility, disability inclusion and Universal Design across their services, workplaces, communications, events and built environments.

Architectural-style illustration of a historic Dublin courtyard with red brick buildings, stone arches, a clock tower with a green dome, and a wide cobbled square.

Heritage at Risk: Can Accessibility Help Us Protect Our Heritage?

August 17, 2026
Sofia

When we consider heritage at risk, we often think of historic buildings, natural landscapes or cultural traditions at risk of being lost. But there is another, perhaps less visible, risk to consider: What happens when the heritage remains, but people become disconnected from it?

Graphic illustrating accessibility as an ecosystem, with the built environment represented by an accessible lift as the foundation and branches highlighting digital accessibility, culture, leadership, training, co-design and processes.

If Accessibility Were an Ecosystem, the Built Environment Would Only Be the Foundation

August 7, 2026
Sofia

For many service providers and employers, the word ‘accessibility’ immediately creates images of physical modifications: ramps, widened doorways, lifts, and accessible washrooms. When they think about access, the conversation almost always begins and ends with the built environment and access auditing.

Building entrance with poor accessibility, showing a steep ramp beside steps leading to double glass doors.

The Imperative of Engaging Qualified Access Auditors: Moving Beyond Compliance

July 14, 2026
Sofia

You would never permit an unqualified individual to act as your doctor or dentist, trusting them with your health based on a rudimentary checklist. Why, then, does the built environment sector frequently recommend delegating the complex task of an accessibility audit to individuals who lack formal qualifications and expertise in the field?

Glowing digital brain with “AI” text at the centre, surrounded by connected technology icons on a dark futuristic background.

AI and Accessibility: Breaking Barriers for People with Disabilities

May 15, 2026
Sofia

Imagine navigating the modern world without being able to read street signs, access digital documents, or request work accommodations without stigma. For over a billion people globally living with disabilities, these are everyday challenges.

Work and Access Programme: Accredited Disability Inclusion Training

April 16, 2026
Sofia

If you are an employer in Ireland and thinking about improving accessibility or disability inclusion in your organisation, there is currently government funding of up to €20,000 available.

Photo representing the AI, a brain with a

Invisible Accessibility in Retail

April 13, 2026
Sofia

Imagine entering a store where everyone can easily navigate every aisle, shelf, sign, and checkout, including parents using pushchairs, senior citizens, those using mobility assistance, and customers with sensory issues.

Illustration showing blue silhouettes of people with diverse access needs, including a wheelchair user, a person with a walking stick, an older adult and a child with an adult, set within an accessible bathroom environment. Logos of Zero Project, the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design (National Disability Authority) and O’Herlihy Access Consultancy appear at the top.

Champions of Inclusive Spaces: Zero Project Highlights Universal Design in Practice

January 27, 2026
Sofia

Creating places that work for everyone requires practical guidance, real-world examples and a clear vision of what inclusive design looks like on the ground.

Front view of the Central Bank of Ireland headquarters on North Wall Quay in Dublin, with its gold-coloured façade and central glass atrium

Building for Everyone: Central Bank of Ireland. A module to help you learn more about Universal Design in the Built Environment

January 27, 2026
Sofia

When the Central Bank of Ireland set out to create its new headquarters, the ambition was to deliver a world-class building that works for everyone. O’Herlihy Access Consultancy (OHAC) was delighted to work alongside the Central Bank as Accessibility and Universal Design Advisors to help make that ambition a reality.

Illustration of diverse travelers, including a person in a wheelchair and a child with a parent, set against a backdrop of a globe with location markers and an airplane in flight, symbolizing inclusive and international travel.

Accessible Travel & Tourism

December 11, 2025
Sofia

Author: Tyler Phillips During this holiday season, some of us will be looking to take advantage of the time off and travel either home or abroad. For many, travel can be difficult or stressful at the best of times, but…