Irish National Disability Authority Pushes Tourism Access Standards

The latest newsletter published today by the Standards Unit of Ireland's National Disability Authority (NDA) shows a lively state of activity in new and forthcoming standards which target accessibility for everyone in tourism and at heritage sites. New 'Codes of Practice'  address accessible heritage sites, including buildings, monuments and national parks, and safe access to and egress from buildings. 

It is expected that an approved 'Code of Practice on Accessible Heritage Sites' will be given approval as a statutory instrument before the end of this year.

The newsletter also reports that, in line with its statutory functions under the National Disability Authority Act 1999, the NDA is monitoring the implementation of the 2006 'Code of Practice on on Accessibility of Public Services and Information provided to Public Bodies'.

Finally, The NDA built environment guidelines, 'Building for Everyone 2002', are currently undergoing an extensive revision. This project will see the guidance updated and the scope broadened. The new Building for Everyone, to be published by NDA's Centre for Excellence in Universal Design, will consist of a series of nine booklets. New areas will include a booklet which provides guidance to planners, as well as a booklet for the management of buildings. The latter is critical to ensuring that a building or environment, which has been designed to be accessible for all, is used by its occupants in the most beneficial way and that it is maintained in that way over time. The booklets are currently being drafted and reviewed. A consultation period will be held later this year, and a launch date is expected in Spring 2009.

Download the full NDA Newsletter from the right-hand column in PDF format.