New guidelines on Procurement and Accessibility
In a recent news update, O’Herlihy Access Consultancy addressed the importance of embedding accessibility into the procurement process. We highlighted that public bodies have a legal responsibility to incorporate accessibility in the procurement process (Section 27 of the Disability Act) which came into effect on the 31st December 2005). It requires that all public bodies:
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Review existing procurement policies, practices and procedures and i
Identify how they can be revised to include accessibility. - Ensure that in all public procurement exercises accessibility is considered.
- Promote this requirement to all relevant personnel and provide guidance.
To assist public bodies meeting this requirement the National Disability Authority have published (October 2012) guidelines entitled ‘Procurement and Accessibility’. The aim of the guidelines is to assist staff in public bodies with the responsibility for carrying out and managing the procurement of services and goods. The guidelines address a number of areas including:
- Legislation about procurement and disability.
- Procurement process.
- Procuring products and services (i.e. Transport services, Security services, Training, Office equipment).
- Procuring built environment projects (i.e. going beyond the Part M, ensuring accessibility is considered at all stages of projects).
- Procuring information and communication technology (i.e. websites, ticket machines and smart card tickets, public computers, kiosks, and other public access terminals)
If you would like further information on accessibility and procurement, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01-4151285 or [email protected].
