Private enterprise urged to improve disability access

PRIVATE businesses must follow the public sector’s lead in improving accessto buildings, services and information, the National Disability Authority said yesterday.

The private and public sectors are being helped in this aim by the launch of the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design.

The initiative aims to help ensure planners and designers create an environment that is accessible to all people, including those with a disability.

Authority chairperson Angela Kerins said that public bodies such as local councils, government departments and others are already following a code of practice on accessibility.

“We are hoping that the private sector will ensure their services and buildings are more accessible to customers. It’s something that would be good for business. All shops and business premises should have entrances suitable for those in wheelchairs or with physical disabilities,” said Ms Kerins.

“It’s not just about physical access — information about services and products should be available in large print, in braille or different formats such as electronically or on computer discs.”

The new centre, launched yesterday by Minister of State at the Department of Health Jimmy Devins, was set up under the 2005 Disability Act and is the world’s first statutory centre of its kind.

“In order to move forward, it is important that the relevant educational, training and accreditation bodies support the introduction and integration of the principles of universal design in educational and training courses,” said its chief executive Dr Gerald Craddock.