28 Jan 2019
Wheelchair accessibility guide launched for the Irish outdoors
BY Tom Walker
The Irish Wheelchair Association has partnered with Sport Ireland to launch a guide designed to help wheelchair users get more physically active – by enabling them to explore the 'great Irish outdoors'.
The Great Outdoors - A guide for Accessibility provides information, advice and guidance to organisations and individuals responsible for outdoor environments – including trails, greenways, public parks, beaches, waterways and the built environment.
Minister of state for tourism and sport, Brendan, Griffin TD – who unveiled the guide at the Sport Ireland National Sports Campus – said: “Ireland is renowned for its scenic landscapes and natural beauty and our great outdoors provides excellent opportunities for people to get active.
"Unfortunately, the incredible Irish landscapes are often rugged and remote making accessing the great outdoors and engaging in outdoor pursuits can be challenging, particularly for people who may have a range of disabilities.
"The launch of this important document provides expert guidance in the provision of outdoor facilities and amenities in a way that they can be enjoyed by all members of society no matter what their circumstances.
"The government’s new National Sports Policy 2018-2027 places an emphasis on making sure that sport and physical activity is accessible to all and this guide will ensure a proactive approach to providing opportunities for everyone to get active."
Sport Ireland Chief Executive, John Treacy, added: "This document, which has been developed by the Irish Wheelchair Association with support from Sport Ireland, provides practical advice and guidance in the development of public spaces, which will see more people with any disability visiting and being active in the great Irish outdoors."
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