The Mayo County Council received an award last week from the National Disability Authority (NDA ) that recognises the excellence level of achievement reached by Ballina Civic Offices in integrating accessibility into the provision of services to the public. The Excellence through Accessibility (EtA ) Awards were held at the Department of Education and Skills in Dublin. The integration of accessibility into the design and provision of services enables people with disabilities access to public services with ease.
Some measures taken in Ballina Civic Offices to meet the standards of the EtA include changes to the approach paths and the external steps. Low counters are now available, along with induction loops and appropriate bathroom facilities. Public terminals have been provided, some with a large-key keyboard and tracker-ball mouse for ease of use. The Ballina pages of the Mayo website have also been designed with accessibility in mind.
