Government bodies vie for disability awards
Government Departments and Agencies were today gearing up for a competition rewarding efforts to improve services and accessible for the disabled.
The Excellence through Accessibility awards, launched by President Mary McAleese, will over the next few months urge state bodies to do their best for 10% of the population which suffer from disabilities.
Angela Kerins, NDA chairperson, said she was looking forward to a large number of entries from Government Departments and Agencies.
“It is very encouraging that there is an increasing recognition among all providers of services which the public use, that removing barriers promotes equality and makes life easier and safer for everyone and that includes people with disabilities, older people and the young,” she said.
“They will recognise where public bodies use their imagination and skill to provide the best possible service to all of their customers, taking into account a diverse range of specific need.
“I believe that it is important to recognise good practice and to showcase it so that others can replicate it and it becomes a standard that everyone strives for. Good practice in accessibility leads to better services for everyone.”
The scheme acknowledges departments and agencies that have taken steps to make their services more accessible and the winners will be announced in the New Year.
The awards were established by the National Disability Authority, and the Department of Justice to ensure reasonable steps are taken in providing reasonable access to people with disabilities.
