Monitoring Report on the Implementation of the NDA’s Code of Practice on Accessibility of Public Services and Information provided by Public Bodies
The National Disability Authority is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Statutory Code of Practice on Accessibility of Public Services and information provided by Public Bodies. As you may be aware, this code of practice covers sections 26 -28 of the Disability Act:
- Section 26: Access to services (appointment of Access officer, training requirements, provision of expert advice, review of services, consultation etc.)
- Section 27 Procurement (Review of procurement policies and procedures, promote access in procurement process etc.)
- Section 28 Access to information – Written, oral and electronic communications
In 2008, the NDA carried out a survey to monitor the implementation of the Code. Some of the findings from the 203 respondents (out of a total of 568 public bodies) include:
- 70% of survey respondents reported having completed a formal review or access audit of significant aspects of either some or all their services. It was noted that only 48.5% had reviewed all of their services;
- Only 34.5% of survey respondents reported that at least some of their access officers had received training in access auditing;
- 44% of respondents reported having policies and 41%, procedures in place to ensure the provision of information in accessible formats, when requested;
- 55%of survey respondents reported that they had appointed an inquiry officer
Some of the recommendations going forward from the NDA include:
- A formal access audit including a review of services should take place and a detailed action plan should be developed as a result
- All public bodies ensure that they have a procedure in place to assist a person with a disability in a timely and satisfactory way.
- Policies and procedures should be developed to ensure the provision of information in accessible formats
- The appointment and appropriate training of access officers as a critical aspect of accessibility of public services
- Ensuring appropriate expertise and consultation with people with disabilities in relation to access matters.
For further details on other recommendations including procurement, complaints, website audits, promotion of accessibility initiatives click here.
