Committee on Disability Matters and Committee on Autism to hold joint meeting on the topic of accessibility in the built environment, information, and communication.

In line with Article 9 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), a National Plan for Accessibility, as recommended by the Joint Committee on Disability Matters, would ensure that all sectors can work together to make society and communities more accessible to people with disabilities.

The meeting will take place in Committee Room 4 of Leinster House between 9:30-12:30.

The following representatives are due to appear:

• Representatives from Independent Living Movement Ireland, Des Kenny, Chairperson, Catherine Gallagher, Board member & James Cawley, Policy officer
• Representatives from National Disability Authority, Dr Aideen Hartney, Director, Dr Gerald Craddock, Chief Officer of the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design (CEUD) & Dr Donal Fitzpatrick, Senior Design Advisor for ICT, within the CEUD.
• Representatives from AsIAm, Adam Harris, Founder & Chief Executive Officer

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Cathaoirleach of the Joint Committee on Disability Matters Michael Moynihan said: “We look forward to working with our colleagues on the Committee on Autism to examine issues around ‘accessibility in the built environment, communications and information’.
“Without access to the physical environment, to transportation, to information and communication, including information and communications technologies and systems, and to other facilities and services open or provided to the public, persons with disabilities would not have equal opportunities for participation in society. Universal Design is a key strategy for the design and development of products, services, ICT, and buildings that are accessible and usable to the widest range of users possible regardless of age, size, disability, or ability.”

Cathaoirleach of the Joint Committee on Autism Senator Micheál Carrigy said: “The Committee on Autism believes it is important that our workplaces and public buildings are friendly for autistic people to avoid unnecessary stress and to enable them to fully participate in society. It is not especially difficult to make a building autism friendly. Examples include providing a quiet room where autistic people can relax, reducing noise, using natural light where possible, having good ventilation and staff training.

“The Autism Committee has already requested that the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission make Leinster House an autism-friendly parliament building, just like the Northern Ireland Assembly at Parliament Buildings in Stormont.”

Watch the meeting live on www.oireachtas.ie or on the Oireachtas smartphone app for Apple and Android.

Notes to Editor

The Joint Committee on Autism was established earlier this year to consider matters relating to the services and supports provided by the State for autistic people. It is a time limited committee which must report within nine months.