Accessibility Audits, Access Policies and Action Plans and Disability Awareness Training to Office Of Public Works (OPW) sites
O’Herlihy Access Consultancy (OHAC) has worked closely with the Office of Public Works (OPW) since 2012 to date, providing access consultancy services.
Our work with the OPW ranges from Access Audit services to Accessibility & Universal Design Consultancy and Training services. We also provide consultancy advice for special projects and events.
Access Audits
OHAC has carried out Access Audits of numerous OPW sites (including Heritage Sites) across Ireland such as Dublin Castle, Newgrange, the National Gallery, The Custom House Visitor Centre, Castletown House, Farmleigh House, The Botanic Gardens, The Marine Institute, The EU Conference Centre in Dublin Castle, Access Points on the Quay Walk as part of the Athlone Flood Alleviation Scheme, 16 Garda stations in the Galway/Mayo region, Department of Defence Galway.
For all OPW Access Audits, OHAC agreed upon a methodology with the individual clients within the OPW. For example, the methodology agreed for the Garda Station Access Audits focused on meeting the requirements of Section 25 of the Disability Act 2005, which resulted in customised audit templates. As part of the audit process, OHAC prepares detailed Access Audit Reports outlining current accessibility provisions and recommendations for improvement. The reports also provide recommendations on meeting legal responsibilities in relation to accessibility, including Building Control Legislation, Equality Legislation (including employment & access to goods and services) and the various requirements under the Disability Act requirements, relating to Access to Buildings Services– Procurement Information Provision, Access to Heritage Buildings and Sites Complaints / Inquiry Officer and Health Safety and Welfare at Work.
OHAC also provides an overview Summary Report including high-level management and operations recommendations. E.g. staff training, facilities management, information provision. On completion of the audits, a meeting was arranged with the relevant parties to discuss the Audit Report, accessibility issues and recommendation for improvement.
Accessibility and Universal Design Consultants
OHAC have prepared a number of accessibility resources toolkits, which involved the development of presentation materials, checklists and handouts which acted as a reference resource to OPW staff. In some of our projects for the OPW we have developed tailored training courses for staff. OHAC have developed a close working relationship with OPW and provides regular ongoing advice and support in all matters related to accessibility, inclusivity and Universal Design.
Training & Awareness Raising
Ongoing delivery of disability, equality, awareness training, Accessibility and Heritage Sites and Protected Structures, and Accessible and Inclusive Customer Services and Visitor Experience training. OHAC has also provided ongoing tailor-made training sessions to both the Heritage and Architects Department within the OPW.
Special Projects – Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of European Union
OHAC has also provided consultancy services to the OPW for special projects and events. One such event was Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. OHAC was engaged by Dublin Castle to design and deliver a Disability, equality and awareness training course for front of house staff. As part of the Presidency, numerous events, conferences, meetings and gathering took place at a number of locations including Farmleigh House, The Botanic Gardens, Dublin Castle and Castletown House. OHAC provided training to the front-of-house staff on key issues such as why accessibility is important, how to organise accessible events and how to communicate and assist customers with disabilities effectively. As part of this project, OHAC also carried out several access audits throughout Dublin.
