National campaign targets accessibility obstacles: ‘Hey, this blocks my way!’
For many, a car parked on a curb or bins blocking the footpath can be a minor inconvenience - but for those with disabilities it can represent a total loss of independence.
That’s why the annual ‘ Make Way Day ’ campaign aims to spread awareness on the need to consider those with disabilities in the public spaces that we all share. Taking place today (May 29), this vital campaign is led by the Disability Federation of Ireland and supported by Local Authorities all over Ireland.
The campaign encourages individuals, businesses and organisations to consider how small actions, such as illegally parked cars or obstructive signage, can have a significant impact on accessibility and inclusion. Shining a light on barriers many might not be aware of, people are encouraged to take photo of blocked footpaths, parked cars on pavements and share it on social media with the hashtag #MakeWayDay26.
“Make Way Day is not about pointing the finger at local authorities, other agencies, or randomly scattered activism. The whole point of the day is making the public aware of an issue that is fully within their power to change. It’s about one impactful, coordinated and decisive day of action,” a spokesperson for the campaign said.
“Leading the charge are people with disabilities, local authorities, and disability organisations armed with an online tool that was specifically designed for Make Way Day. “Hey, this blocks my way !” is our message.”
An Cathaoirleach, Jim Gildea of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council said: “Make Way Day is an important opportunity to highlight the real and everyday barriers that people with disabilities encounter in our public spaces. It reminds us that accessibility is a shared responsibility.”
A Make Way Day event, supported by Dublin City Council, took place in Finglas Youth Resource Centre this morning, which hosted a session exploring the barriers that prevent ease of access for people with disabilities in the local area. Participants had the opportunity to learn, share experiences and discuss practical solutions that support a more inclusive city. The event highlighted how designing spaces that are accessible for wheelchair users benefits a much wider group, including people with buggies and prams.
Last year's Make Way Day campaign helped spread awareness by reaching over 1,000,000 people on social media and appearing across media including RTÉ Morning Ireland.
This content is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme