Sport Ireland and the Irish Wheelchair Association has launched a new document aimed at helping local planners and developers to create activity environments that are friendly towards people with disabilities.
The document has been created to look at a wide variety of outdoor spaces and how sometimes simple changes can be introduced to make accessibility easier.
“We put a high value on physical activity and in particular physical activity in the outdoors,” said Sport Ireland Director of Participation, Dr Una May.
“What we want to make sure is that everybody can access the outdoors, and to make sure that everybody who is out there providing opportunities for people to get active is aware of what is needed to make sure that people with disabilities are catered for.”
The guide includes reference to beeches, greenways, trails and other areas where sometimes simple changes can make a significant difference.
“We want to engage with decision makers including planners, architects, county councils and all disability organisations to implement the guide to its maximum potential,” added Nicky Hamill, Director of Sport at the Irish Wheelchair Association.
The Irish Wheelchair Association and Sport Ireland will work in conjunction with Cara and the national network of Sports Inclusion Disability Officers to promote ‘Great Outdoors, A guide for Accessibility’ and raise awareness of the measures which can be taken to encourage more people with a disability to be active with family and friends in the outdoors.
Image Credit Sam Barnes, Sportsfile
