Study will reveal how accessible Newbridge is for someone with an intellectual disability

A newly formed group of Newbridge residents with intellectual disability are out and about to find out more about how accessible the town is for them. 

Supported by KARE, the group has prepared well by taking part in an eight-week course on accessibility and on building confidence to speak up about their rights. 

 “Over the coming months, we will be reviewing how accessible Newbridge shops, cafes and public services are,” says Ann-Marie Potter, social inclusion officer with KARE. “People with intellectual disability use the same services as everyone else. But there are many barriers, like signage that is difficult to understand, with too many words or confusing pictures.” 

Ann-Marie lives near Newbridge and knows the town well from her work in supporting people served by KARE over many years.

 “Newbridge residents with intellectual disability are ready now to show us the problems they have when it comes to shopping or accessing leisure or health services in the town.  We also want to find out what works well in Newbridge services, like friendly staff who can spot when a person just needs help for an extra few minutes.” 

This project is funded by Kildare County Council as part of its commitment to implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disability. 

Michael Hurley, Kildare County Council disability access officer, said: “I ‘m delighted to support this research and look forward to seeing the results of the accessibility reviews. We have come a long way towards  making County Kildare more accessible, but there is room for improvement when it comes to customer service for Kildare residents with intellectual disabilities.”

KARE and Dr Geraldine Boland from the UCD Centre for Disability Studies have spearheaded this push for improving access. 

Michael Hurley

“Accessibility is not just about parking spaces and ramps. People with intellectual disability face many hidden barriers to being included locally and managers often forget what people with disabilities need when they are planning retail or public services. 

“What we learn from this action research project could help other Irish localities improve accessibility for all their residents with disabilities. Newbridge will be on the map in spring 2023, because KARE and UCD will be hosting an international webinar about this research,” said Dr Boland.

If you wish to find out more, contact Anne-Marie Potter, KARE Social Inclusion Officer at 087 1715103 annemarie.potter@kare.ie 

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