NDA hosts Excellence through Accessibility Awards Ceremony for Public Bodies

Release Date: 12/03/2007

See Below for Video Clips

Thirteen public bodies today, International Day of Disabled People, received awards for their achievement of excellent accessibility in their services at an award ceremony held by the National Disability Authority (NDA) at Dublin’s Mansion House.

The Excellence through Accessibility (EtA) scheme recognises public bodies which attain high standards in accessibility across key aspects of their services including buildings and facilities, publications, websites, customer services, human resources and procurement procedures.

Presenting the awards, Minister of State with Responsibility for Disability and Mental Health, Jimmy Devins TD said, "The issue of accessibility for people with disabilities is one of the key parts of the Government's National Disability Strategy. This year's establishment of a Centre for Excellence in Universal Design in the NDA under Part 6 of the Disability Act 2005 lays the foundations for a future where accessibility will be to the forefront of architecture, product design and IT. Today's event highlights that this thinking is already permeating through the public service."

"This year's recipients can be very proud of receiving their Excellence through Accessibility award, which demonstrates their commitment to accessibility and to best practice in delivering comprehensive public services to people with disabilities" said Angela Kerins, Chairperson of the National Disability Authority.

"Providing everybody with access to public services is essential,and these public bodies have played a considerable role, not only in championing the importance of accessible services in their own organisations, but also in setting a standard for others to follow" concluded Ms. Kerins.

Cork County Hall received the highest level of the EtA Award, achieving ‘Excellence’ level for its all-encompassing and innovative approach to improving accessibility of its services. The inclusion of an accessibility charter, redesign of parking bays, installation of loop systems in meeting rooms and effective disability training all contributed to the Cork team’s success.

The Westport Leisure Park’s procurement of a pool hoist, accessible gym equipment and pool steps saw it earn the ‘Quality’ recommendation from the National Disability Authority. Ballina and Leixlip libraries were recognised for their efforts in helping people who are vision impaired by supplying reading glasses and tactile library maps for visitors.

The Revenue Commissioners achieved EtA awards for three Dublin locations this year (O’Connell St, Tallaght and Dublin Port). Other public service bodies presented with EtA awards this year include: Sligo County Council, Waterford Central Library, Mayo County Council, FÁS Employment Services, Wexford County Council and An Bord Pleanála.

Find out more about the EtA Awards.

Video Clips


The following video clips were shown at the 2007 Award Ceremony to provide guests with an insight into the benefits arising from participation in the ETA Award Scheme.