Tánaiste Michael McDowell presents first NDA Excellence through Accessibility Awards
Four public bodies received the inaugural National Disability Authority (NDA) Excellence Through Accessibility Awards, presented by the Tanaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform Michael McDowell T.D., at a ceremony in the Mansion House, Dublin today. The awards went to Pearse Street and Cabra Libraries in Dublin; the Public Appointments Service and Cavan Library.
“These are pioneering public sector bodies that are leading the way in making their services accessible for people with disabilities” said Angela Kerins, Chairperson NDA. “The NDA’s Excellence through Accessibility Awards means these 4 public bodies have reached high standards in accessibility across key aspects of their services including buildings and facilities, publications, websites, customer services, human resources and procurement procedures.”
“The National Disability Authority is working closely with the public sector to make accessibility top of their agenda”, said Ms Kerins “It is not unreasonable to expect our public bodies to be accessible to people who have a disability. We will be actively encouraging all public sector bodies and organisations to participate in the award scheme and to eliminate the many barriers that can prevent or restrict access to public services for people with disabilities”.
Speaking at the presentation, the Tánaiste said “Greater accessibility for people with disabilities to public services and information is a very real priority for this Government. I believe we have made significant progress in implementing the National Disability Strategy to date and, by extension, enabling people with disabilities to live more independently.”
The Excellence through Accessibility Awards were developed in conjunction with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. All public bodies who have received the Award can now display the Excellence through Accessibility Logo on their website, publications and at reception areas in their buildings and this enables the general public know that these services are accessible.
For more information contact:
Rachel Morrogh
Insight Consultants
01 293 9977 / 086 853 0005
Shane Hogan
National Disability Authority
01 608 0497 / 086 817 2545
