Seven simple changes to improve accessibility within your organisation
Recently O’Herlihy Access Consultancy has been getting a number of queries on how to implement accessibility successfully on a limited budget. In order to assist organisations on their way to improving accessibility for all relating to access to services, the built environment and information provision we would propose the following as simple ways of implementing change:
- Appoint someone within the organisation with responsibility for implementing accessibility.
- Establish an access team and ensure it is representative of your organisation. That way all of the key people within your organisation can be making an impact to the overall accessibility of the organisation.
- Provide pre-visit information (i.e. on the website, through access guides, on your brochures and forms).
- Provide staff with disability awareness training. Remember staff are key to ensuring the successfully delivery of an accessible service.
- Prepare an accessibility policy and plan and make a commitment to improving accessibility within the organisation. Assign responsibility and monitor progress.
- Improve the accessibility of your buildings. Carry out an access audit and ensure all those with responsibility for the buildings are aware of best practice relating to accessibility.
- Ensure all goods and services bought by your organisation are accessible. Embedding accessibility into the procurement process is key.
If you would like further information on making your services accessible, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01-4151285 or [email protected] or why not check out our upcoming two day course entitled Making Services Accessible for All.
