Annual Report 2005 - The National Disability Authority

Annual Report 2005
for development to inform consideration of the review of Part M Building
Regulations being undertaken by the Department of Environment, Heritage and
Local Government. Other research activities included support for organisations
engaging in research relating to disability under the Research Promotion Grant
Schemes and the enhancement of Disability Research database as a support for policy
makers, service providers, researchers and the public generally.
The NDA also continued to engage with a range of stakeholders on policies which
impact on the participation of people with disabilities in Irish society. During 2005 this
included engagement with Government Departments and membership of consultative
committees including the Public Transport Accessibility Committee (PTAC) and the
Department of Social and Family Affair’s Disability Consultative Forum. Round table
discussions with disability representatives and public sector bodies informed the policy
advice developed by the NDA.
2.0 Accessibility in
Public Services
The NDA, at the request of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform prepared
a draft code of practice to guide public bodies in making their services and
information accessible in accordance with the requirements of the Disability Act 2005.
In addition, the NDA hosted a series of regional seminars to advise public bodies on
the accessibility requirements.
In September 2005, the President launched the Excellence Through
Accessibility Award Scheme developed by the NDA in partnership with the
Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The scheme establishes a system to
assess and recognise achievement of accessibility by public bodies in relation to public
service facilities, customer services and ICT.
3.0 Challenging
Attitudes
The NDA, through its work on submissions to Government Departments and agencies,
drew attention to areas of policy which can play a role in informing and challenging
attitudes to disability and create awareness of disability issues generally.
During 2005, the NDA developed a submission in relation to a Code of Programme
Standards, highlighting issues regarding the representation of people with disabilities
in the media, and access to broadcasting. It also prepared a submission in relation to
advertising standards.
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