What key elements should be contained in your organisation’s access policy?
An access policy is one of the first steps an organisation should take in the process of making their services accessible to all customers. An access policy will give an organisation a strategic framework for ongoing work in relation to all areas of the service including how the organisation is going to makes its services, employment procedures, buildings and information accessible to all customers.
The policy will be a useful way of setting out the vision and objectives of how the organisation will mainstream access. A typical policy should contain elements such as:
- A statement of intent: This should outline the mission of the access policy and organisation;
- Definition of Access: This should outline the current context around disability and accessibility, definitions of disability and outline legal requirements of the organisation.
- Aims and objectives: These are the guiding principles for organisation to ensure accessibility is improved. This will include policy objectives; goals, targets etc;
- Implementation process and Action Planning: This should include details of the implementation process.
- Monitoring and review of progress: The access policy should contain details on the organisation is going to monitor and review progress in relation to implementing accessibility
If you would like further information in relation to developing an access policy or if you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact one of our team on 01-4151285 or e-mail [email protected].
