Disability

Frequently Asked Questions about Accessibility | Meath Care Portal Website | Kells Arch Club | Disability Federation of Ireland Newsletters

Accessibility

Accessibility is not purely physical access
It is anything that hinders a persons ability to interact in society.

The term 'disability' covers a wide range of circumstances including, physical disability, mobility issues, sensory, hearing and visual impairments, cognitive difficulties including specific learning difficulties and also mental health issues.

Part 3 of the Disability Act 2005 places significant responsibilities on public bodies to make their buildings and services accessible to people with disabilities, while Part 5 of the Act gives a statutory basis to positive action measures for the employment of people with disabilities in the public sector.

Additionally, the Local Government Sectoral Plans set out national objectives and guidelines for access to critical areas of service for people with disabilities. The Plan is geared to developing services that encourage maximum participation in society. 

Local Government Sectoral Plan  

Legislation

Disability Act 2005  
Equality Act 2004
Equal Status Act, 2000
Employment Equality Act, 1998 S.I. No. 163 of 2006 
Disability Act 2005 (Code of Practice) (Declaration) Order 2006

Meath Local Authorities Draft Disability Implementation Plan 2008- 2015 has been prepared and is on display from 17th June 2009 to 10th July 2009.   Accessibility Audits have been carried out in the five electoral areas of Navan, Kells, Trim, Slane and Dunshaughlin and in the towns of Navan, Kells and Trim.  

Implementation Plan

The Implementation Plan is to cover the period from 2008 to 2015. This plan sets out a prioritised work programme based on the actions and recommendations of the Audits.   The objective of the Plan is to ensure that people with disabilities can access the same level of services as all customers, where practical and appropriate.

Process to date:

• Disability Awareness Training given to staff – 2007
• Draft Plan prepared
• Internal Departments/Areas consulted and submissions received.
• Draft document brought to:
  - Disability Advisory Committee – November 2008
  - Social Community & Cultural SPC – December 2008
  - Full Council – January 2009
  - Town Councils of Navan, Kells and Trim – Jan/Feb 2009
  - Public consultation evening – 17th June 2009

Consultation

Implement effective consultation and liaison arrangements with other relevant bodies and representative organisations to facilitate access by people with disabilities.
To support consultation and liaison arrangements the following structures are in place:

• A Disability Advisory Committee
• Access Representatives within internal Departments – all Departments made submissions to Draft Plan and will liaise with Access Officer for future work programmes.
• IT Department will monitor accessibility content of data placed on internet.
• Access Officer to be in place with the role of  co-ordinating, monitoring and reviewing policies and procedures in relation to accessibility and  the Disability Act 2005.
• An Inquiry Officer  - based in Corporate Services Department deals with customer complaints procedure.

These structures in place ensure that the awareness and commitment to accessibility/disability remains firmly embedded in the organisation and it services. 

Further information is available from:
Access Officer,
Community & Enterprise Department,
County Hall,
Navan,
Co. Meath.
Telephone – (046) 90974000

Meath Care Portal Website

The Meath Care Portal http://www.meathcareportal.ie/ is a one stop resource for people with disabilites, for older people and for caregivers.

This website provides access to information about relevant organisations, online services, financial and health information. 

Kells Arch Club

Kells Arch Club was launched on 8th September 2005. Arch clubs provide a secure social environment for those with special needs, to learn, form friendships and, above all, to have fun.

If you, or someone you know, would benefit from membership or would like to become a volunteer, please contact Maurice Mallon, Kells Arch Club on 085-1217142.

Disability Federation of Ireland Newsletters

Read Disability Federation of Ireland Newsletters at http://www.disability-federation.ie/newsletters.htm