The National Disability Authority has a dual role in relation to standards - in relation to advising on standards for programmes and services to be used by people with a disability, and in relation to standards for universal design.
Under the National Disability Authority Act 1999, the National Disability Authority has a remit to advise on appropriate standards for programmes and services to be provided to people with disabilities as well as advising on the development of these programmes and standards. The National Disability Authority may also prepare Codes of Practice to submit to the Minister.
The Centre for Excellence in Universal Design, set up under the Disability Act 2005 as an integral part of the National Disability Authority, has a remit that goes beyond disability to address products, services, environments or information and communications technology that can be used by anyone, regardless of age size, ability or disability. It has specific functions to contribute to the development and promulgation of standards in relation to universal design, and to liaise with national and international standards bodies in relation to the universal design of electronic systems.
The National Disability Authority was represented on the Building Regulations Advisory Body and on the working group established to advise the Advisory Body on the development of revised building regulations on accessibility (Part M of the Building Regulations). The revised Part M[5] was approved by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in 2010 and will take effect from 2012.
Following national consultation in 2009, the National Disability Authority developed and submitted a draft code of practice to the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs to promote the accessibility of heritage sites as set out in section 29 of the Disability Act 2005. This draft Code of Practice aims to support heritage site owners and managers in improving the accessibility of their heritage sites to ensure that people with disabilities can use such sites, where practicable, with ease and dignity.
The National Disability Authority worked with about 20 public bodies throughout 2010 to help them to improve accessibility of public services. Detailed assessments were carried out for 13 locations, and the independent Excellence through Accessibility Approvals Board confirmed awards for all 13 locations.
The National Disability Authority brought forward some important new guidance publications for public sector bodies: including a revised version of our guidance on Safe Evacuation for All; new guidance on accessible procurement; and guidance to promote accessibility of primary and secondary schools. Consultation processes were undertaken on each of these draft publications. These publications are expected to be finalised and launched in 2011.
The Authority's work in universal design in 2010 focused on:
The Centre successfully organised the 24 Hour Universal Design Challenge 2010 with the theme of "Technology in the City" focusing on new designs to improve the accessibility and usability of information and services offerings in public places. The event was integrated with the National Disability Authority-sponsored European Design for All eAccessibility Network AGM and conference entitled "Technology in the City". The merging of the two events raised their overall profile, facilitated interaction among a range of professionals and realised significant staff efficiencies and cost savings.
The Centre took over the role of the Design for All Network secretariat in 2010, along with its responsibility as the national contact centre on eAccessibility. The role included sharing information on the Centre's work and gathering information on best practices and new developments on ICT accessibility and universal design from around Europe.
The National Disability Authority hosted, collaborated on and participated in a number of events for stakeholders in 2009 focusing on key aspects of universal design including:
The Centre supported the editing and gathering of content for a Toolkit on eAccessibility for Policy Makers on ICT in line with obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The information is freely available on the website: www.e-accessibilitytoolkit.org
The Centre chairs the Accessibility for All Standards Consultative Committee which is run by the National Standards Authority of Ireland. The Centre reviewed the latest draft of the International Standard ISO/DIS 21542 - Building construction: Accessibility and usability of the built environment. Comments were submitted by the National Standards Authority of Ireland to the International Standards Organisation.
The Centre chaired the development of a new European Standards Organization's (CEN) standard on Universal Design Curriculum for ICT Professionals. Consensus was reached on this in November 2010.
Work to develop Building for Everyone, from a universal design perspective, as a series of nine booklets, extended into 2010. The aim is to publish in 2011.
The Centre, in a partnership research project with Trinity College Dublin, examined international practice on universal design content as part of third level education in engineering and design courses. In addition, the research explored how universal design was being taught and applied at the Trinity College campus.
The Centre manages two research fellowship projects sponsored by the National Disability Authority along with the Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology. The National Disability Authority, as the Enterprise Partner, provides one third of the funding for the researcher and the Centre's staff research mentor liaises with the academic mentor to advise the researcher during the projects. The two active research projects are:
[5] http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/2010/en/si/0513.html