THE BARCELONA DECLARATION PROJECT 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 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

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 staff Disability-proof design for Eyre Square redevelopment Communications strategy for city council - braille, audio, loop systems Sign language training Accessible website Accessibility audit of public buildings Street initiative Enforcement of part M of the Building Regulations Pilot life-time adaptable housing scheme in Knocknacarra

Specific Actions 2003 [CONTD.] Housing scheme with universal access principles in Merlin park Upgrade signal crossings - Audio signals, tactile pavings, dished kerbs Disability awareness conference Special Olympics Host Town programme support Link with Access for All group Disabled parking

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 Plans Housing Roads Environment Parks Culture Human Resources ICT Corporate Serv. Water Services Planning Finance Comm.& Ent.

Project Team: Housing Architect Forward Planning ICT Corp Services HR Community and Enterprise Environment and Parks Roads and Traffic INTERNALISING THE PROCESS - AND PERIODIC FEEDBACK TO MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL

Map of the Site