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