THE BARCELONA DECLARATION PROJECT

2002-2004.Facilitating local

authorities in creating a more inclusive society

Awareness raising and consultation

Key elements for effective implementation

Joe O’Neill,Director of Services, Galway City Council

•Galway and the Barcelona Declaration

Galway and the Barcelona Declaration

Why Galway?

Consultation and Awareness

Issues and Challenges ahead

Barcelona Declaration Adopted by Galway City Council -13th May 2002

3 underlying principles:Every person has a value and a right to be

treated with dignity’

This is an equality issue

Focus on ability!

So why is Galway City Council involved in this project?

Adopted by City Council Democratic Wish

Demonstrate Leadership among Irish Local Authorities [pilot project], and other Local

Agencies and Sectors in Galway

Demonstrate that we can make a difference - tangible responses to identified local community

needs

Make our city a better and more inclusive place in which to live

Included in the Galway City Strategy 2002 – 2012 –example of integration into policy

Build on existing work done at local level

So what did this mean for Galway City Council in 2003?

Pilot Project with Institute of Design and Disability - prepared groundwork- Undertook training of Directors of Services and other Staff along with Disability Advocates- Prepared Draft Implementation Plan

- Consulted with people with a disability regarding plan- Modified and amended Draft Plan- Adopted Implementation Plan: Long Term Goals Specific Actions 2003

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Long Term Goals

.To ensure a high level of awareness with respect to the requirements of people with a disability amongst all staff. .To promote and ensure participation by disabled persons / representatives in decision-making..To ensure access to information .To promote universal access to urban spaces, buildings and services. .To encourage and facilitate access to housing according to personal and economic circumstances.To improve mobility of disabled persons throughout the city, including passenger transport.

Long Term Goals [contd.]

.To promote co-ordination between service providers in Galway City via the Galway City Development Board.

.To promote and pro-actively encourage equal opportunities for people with a disability to

participate in the economic, social and cultural life of the City.

.To promote the inclusion of the universal access principles in the public policy formulation process.

Specific Actions 2003

To provide training on disability awareness for staffDisability-proof design for Eyre Square redevelopmentCommunications strategy for city council - braille, audio, loop systemsSign language trainingAccessible websiteAccessibility audit of public buildingsStreet initiativeEnforcement of part M of the Building RegulationsPilot life-time adaptable housing scheme in Knocknacarra

Specific Actions 2003 [CONTD.]

Housing scheme with universal access principles in Merlin parkUpgrade signal crossings - Audio signals, tactile pavings, dished kerbsDisability awareness conferenceSpecial Olympics Host Town programme supportLink with Access for All groupDisabled parking

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The Actions are implemented by linking to the annual business plans of each Department

For example:

-Upgrade signal crossings - Audio signals, tactile pavings, dished kerbs-Disabled parking-To provide training on disability awareness for staff

are all incorporated into the Roads and traffic business plan:

Barcelona Declaration project team

Business PlansHousingRoadsEnvironmentParksCultureHuman ResourcesICTCorporate Serv. Water ServicesPlanningFinanceComm.& Ent.

Project Team:

HousingArchitectForward Planning ICTCorp ServicesHRCommunity and EnterpriseEnvironment and ParksRoads and Traffic

INTERNALISING THE PROCESS - AND PERIODIC FEEDBACK TO MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

Map of the Site