Regulations and Guidelines
It’s important to consider the specific needs and requirements of your target audience when designing accessible communications materials.
Its also crucial that you choose a design agency that can meet these requirements. Wonder Works in the leading agency in this area. We are genuinely passionate about Accessibility Design. The National Disability Authority (NDA) and the Centre for Excellence in Universal Design (CEUD) provide additional guidance and resources on accessible communication practices in Ireland.
Disability Act 2005
- The Disability Act 2005 sets out the rights and entitlements of people with disabilities in Ireland.
- Under this act, public bodies and providers of public services must ensure accessibility and provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.
- It emphasizes the principle of universal design, which means designing environments, products, and services that can be used by all people, regardless of their abilities.
National Disability Authority (NDA) Guidelines
- The National Disability Authority provides guidelines and resources to assist in achieving accessibility in various settings.
- Their “Design Guidelines for Physical Access” offer detailed guidance on designing accessible buildings and spaces.
Web Accessibility
- In addition to physical accessibility, there is a growing emphasis on web accessibility.
- Websites and digital content provided by public bodies are expected to comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 to ensure they are accessible to people with disabilities.
- The European Accessibility Act (EAA) was adopted by the European Parliament and Council in 2019 and aims to improve the accessibility of products and services across EU member states.
- The EAA establishes general accessibility requirements for websites and mobile applications of certain categories of service providers, including public sector bodies, providers of services essential for the participation in society, and e-commerce platforms. The Act requires that these websites and applications meet specific accessibility standards, which are expected to be defined in more detail through delegated acts and technical standards.
Building Regulations: Part M
- Part M of the Building Regulations focuses on access for people with disabilities.
- It outlines specific requirements for accessibility in new buildings, extensions, and material alterations to existing buildings.
- Part M covers a range of aspects, including access to and within buildings, circulation spaces, entrances, ramps, stairs, handrails, doorways, lifts, sanitary facilities, and parking.
Accessible Public Transport
- The National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for ensuring accessible public transport in Ireland.
- Public transport providers are required to make their services accessible to people with disabilities.