Public Service Providers in Ireland - Do you know how your organisation is meeting the requirements of the Disability Act 2005?
Public Bodies within Ireland have a legal obligation to make their services and the public areas of their public buildings accessible to people with disabilities. This requirement is legislated for by Part 3 of the Act entitled 'Access to Public Services'. It requires that Public Bodies:
- Have accessible premises by 2015;
- Ensure that people with disabilities can use their services easily and at the same location or access point as everyone else;
- Have appointed an Access Officer who is the direct point of contact to people with disabilities wishing to access the services of the organisation;
- Ensure, where possible, that goods and services they buy or hire can be used by people with disabilities;
- Provide information in a way that suits the needs of people with disabilities – for example by phone, by email, in plain English, large print or in Braille … websites must meet specified accessibility standards;
- Have a mechanism for dealing with complaints of breaches to the Disability Act 2005.
If you would like further information on how your organisation must comply with the Disability Act 2005, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01-4151285 or [email protected] or for further information on upcoming training 'Making Services Accessible for All' click here.
