Annual Report 2005 - The National Disability Authority

Annual Report 2005
This first round of consultations was followed by a major national consultation process
during which a further 75 submissions were received and further amendments were
made to the document.
All Government Departments were given a final opportunity to comment on the third
draft, before the final revision of the Code was approved by the NDA Authority for
submission to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, for consideration.
Providing Information In Accessible Formats
The NDA recognises that it is essential that persons with disabilities have access
to information in suitable accessible formats. Since the NDA’s establishment, it has
provided documents in a range of alternative versions. These include, in addition to
the standard document, large print, Braille, audio cassette, audio CD, and electronic
versions in MS word, PDF and HTML. During 2005 the NDA produced an information
guide First Steps in Producing Accessible Publications. The project had two
main aims, first to assist those involved in producing publications to explore the need
for a range of formats to meet the diverse needs of the intended audience. The second
aim was to provide basic information on how to produce Word, large print, Braille,
audio CD/cassettes, HTML, PDF and CD-Rom formats.
Access Handbook
In September 2005, the NDA published an Access Handbook Template to support
building managers in the design of an access handbook for their own organisation. An
access handbook is an internal document for the use of management, maintenance
personnel and both new and existing staff members. Its purpose is to provide a
simple way of listing and explaining the features and facilities of a building which
must be maintained or enhanced in order to improve accessibility. The NDA has
disseminated the document to all local authorities and continues to provide advice
on the development of assess handbooks through a series of in-house seminars on
accessibility.
Access Auditing of the Built Environment
The NDA Guidelines for Access Auditing of the Built Environment have been
developed in collaboration with the Office of Public Works and the Department of
the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and were published in November
2005. An access audit is typically the first step in improving the accessibility of the built
environment, enabling the identification of actions necessary to make buildings/facilities
accessible. The Guidelines include background information on access auditing, steps
to carry out an audit and the typical structure of an audit report. The Guidelines also
offer advice for clients commissioning an audit of the built environment and advice
for the auditor. The NDA has disseminated the Auditing Guidelines to building control
officers and maintenance personnel in local authorities, and to practitioners through
the architectural, engineering and construction professional bodies.
Guidelines for Purchasers of Disability Equality Training
The Guidelines for Purchasers of Disability Equality Training were launched on 22 nd
November. These Guidelines aim to assist organisations with the development of their
Disability Equality Training programme. Following the establishment of an organisational
39