These checklists will help your organisation self-assess the accessibility of your outdoor amenity or facility.

Factsheet 1 – Inclusive Design for Outdoor Recreation – The process for carrying out a Self-Assessment Audit.

Factsheet 2 – Inclusive Design for Outdoor Recreation –  Self-Assessment Audit Tools and Techniques.

Irish Wheelchair Association, together with Sport Ireland, brought about the’Access Great Outdoors’ guidelines to ensure people with a disability in Ireland could take part in outdoor activities and recreation of their choosing.

What To Keep in Mind
• Parking bays to be close to access point
• Public Accessible WCs close proximity to access point
• Level access and the avoidance of creating a lip at the start of any boardwalk is advised

The following guidelines derive directly from Irish Wheelchair Association Best Practice Guidelines 3, 2014. Also outlined in this section are the Building Regulations Part M Access and Use 2010 and Part B Fire Safety 2006.

An inclusive design approach will create more opportunities for children to develop physically, socially and emotionally regardless of ability. Design of playgrounds should consider mobility, cognitive and sensory impairments.

What To Keep in Mind
• Parking bays to be close to access point
• Public Accessible WCs close proximity to access point
• Suitable access symbol on display to ensure participants are aware of what is to be expected

Over 1000km of waterways are maintained, developed, and promoted by Waterways Ireland.  Challenges for a person with a disability may include access one of these canals or rivers and also to gaining entry onto waterway crafts. This guide is aimed to create support of any plans to create more opportunities to take part in these amenities.