"Towards Universal Design of the built environment in
Ireland – progress and challenges."
Eoin O’Herlihy B Tech (Ed.), M.Eng, MIEI, MIES.
O’Herlihy Access Consultancy
E-mail: eoin@accessconsultancy.ie,
Ph:
087- 6394312.
Web: www.accessconsultancy.ie
Presentation Overview
• Background/Context
• Introduction of Disability Access Certificates
• Part M 2010 and its implications
• National Standards – Universal Design
• Education/Awareness – Universal Design
• Case Study – The Docklands
• The Way Forward
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Background/Context
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Background/Context
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Introduction of Disability Access Certificates (DACs)
• Benefits of the introduction of DACs
– Increased awareness amongst professionals and designers
– More accessible buildings?
• Potential Barriers for Successful Implementation of DACs
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Introduction prior to new Part M 2010
Lack of national consistency
Lack of training for local authorities and consultants
Provision of independent support and advice
Time delays/Cost/Revised DACs
At what stage should a DAC application be made?
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Part M of the Building
Regulations
(Second Schedule)
Disability
- the facts
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Proposed Part M (2010) of the Building Regulations
Disability
- the facts
(Second Schedule)
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Part M 2010
• Benefits of the introduction of the new Part M
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Access and Use
Based on UD philosophy
Caters for a wide range of abilities
Detailed Technical Guidance Document (TGD)
• Potential Barriers for successful
implementation of new Part M
– Lack of awareness and understanding of new
Technical Guidance Document
– Lack of training for local authorities and consultants
– Potential gaps in guidance
– Provision of support and advice
– Implications of the Disability Act 2005
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Universal Design - Standards
• Benefits/Progress
– NSAI AASCC established in 2005
– AASCC actively involved in ISO standards development (ISO
DIS 21542, Tactile Paving...)
– Mandate 420
– Stand for All training
– Lifetime Homes
• Potential barriers for successful implementation of
Universal Design in built environment standards
– No national built environment standard to date
– Integrating Universal Design into mainstream standards
– Educating standard developers on Universal Design
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Universal Design – Education/Awareness
• Benefits/Progress
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European Resolution, Universal Design 2001
National professional bodies engaging in UD
RIAI Accessibility Task Force
Universal Design on course curricula
• Potential barriers for successful implementation of
Universal Design in education
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Role of Professional Bodies
Implementation of European Resolution
Continued Professional Development
Educating standard developers on Universal Design
Integrating Universal Design into mainstream education
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The National Convention Centre
to the
Grand Canal Theatre
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Pavements
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Pavements
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Pavements
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Ramps
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Ramps
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External Steps
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Entrances
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Signage
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The Way Forward....
• National consistency in the implementation of Disability
Access Certificates and New Part M 2010 through
guidance, support, monitoring and advice.
• Create better awareness amongst professionals
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Mainstream UD amongst professional bodies
Establish working groups within professional bodies
Mainstreaming UD amongst standard developers
Provision of regulated training – Fire Officers; Access Officers;
Access Consultants etc.
• Ensure UD is integrated into relevant courses in
second and third level education
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The Way Forward....
• Universal Design in the Public Sector
– Disability Act 2005
– Role of key government departments
• Universal Design standards development
– Continued to work with ISO/CEN
– Identify and develop national standards
– Involve all key players in standardisation process
• Integration of Universal Design in all relevant mainstream
standards
– Roll out ‘Stand for All’ or equivalent training in Ireland
– Universal Design as a criteria in national standards development
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Thank you – Any Questions?
Contact details:
Eoin O’Herlihy
Ph: 01-4151285 or 087 – 6394312
Email: eoin@accessconsultancy.ie
Web: www.accessconsultancy.ie