Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI) – Equipping the Access Officer Network to promote Accessibility and Universal Design throughout Ireland.
The Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI) is a federation of member organisations working with people with disabilities to implement the UN CRPD and ensure their equal participation in society. DFI has a network of over 38 Access Groups and the Network provides invaluable knowledge of how to consult with Local Government, Chambers of Commerce, and other stakeholders to develop and implement inclusive plans and actions.
OHAC engaged to provide training to allow the DFI Access Officer Network to promote Accessibility and Universal Design throughout Ireland.
DFI brings Access Groups together to:
- A shared pace to discuss key issues, arising from their work locally, which have a national dimension.
- Support groups in tackling common issues more effectively as a collective voice.
- Providing resources on statistics, information, policy position papers, developing plan submissions, etc.
- Highlight issues at key committees nationally and locally.
O’Herlihy Access Consultancy (OHAC) provided access consultancy services to Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI) to enhance accessibility and universal design within their facilities. This collaboration aimed to ensure compliance with building regulations and to promote inclusivity for all users, particularly those with disabilities.
Key Objectives
- Improve Accessibility: Ensure that all buildings and facilities meet the highest accessibility standards.
- Regulatory Compliance: Align with local and national building regulations and codes.
- Promote Universal Design: Integrate universal design principles to benefit all users, including those with disabilities.
- Provide Training: Educate staff and stakeholders on accessibility and Universal Design.
Project Scope
The project encompassed various aspects:
- Accessibility Audits: Comprehensive assessments of existing buildings and facilities to identify areas for improvement.
- Design Consultation: Guidance on incorporating universal design principles in new and existing structures.
- Regulatory Compliance: Assistance with compliance to ensure all modifications met relevant building codes.
- Training Programs: Development and delivery of training sessions for staff to raise awareness and competency in accessibility and universal design.
- Continued Professional Development (CPD): Ongoing professional development courses to keep staff updated on best practices and new regulations.
Impact
- Enhanced Accessibility: Significant improvements in the accessibility of DFI’s facilities, making them more user-friendly for individuals with disabilities.
- Compliance Achieved: All modifications were compliant with local and national regulations, ensuring legal standards were met.
- Universal Design Integration: Universal design principles were successfully integrated, benefiting a wider range of users.
- Informed Staff: Staff received thorough training, enhancing their understanding and ability to implement accessibility and universal design practices.
- Ongoing Development: The CPD courses ensured that DFI staff remained informed about the latest developments and best practices in the field.
By focusing on compliance, universal design, and staff education, the project not only met regulatory standards but also fostered an environment that supports all users. This case study exemplifies how targeted consultancy can drive significant positive change in organizational accessibility and inclusivity.