South Dublin County Council is celebrating the success of its annual National Accessibility Week, and no-one is more thrilled by its achievements in making life more inclusive for those with disabilities than Selina Bonnie, the Disability Liaison, Access and Equality Liaison Officer.
Before coming to work with South Dublin County Council, Selina was based in the NGO sector as an activist for disabled people’s rights.
Since 2006, Selina has worked tirelessly to help promote and raise awareness about accessibility access for people across south Dublin.
The council is ‘celebrating accessible South Dublin County’ through a series of events and activities that encourages everyone to focus on accessibility and universal design.
Over the last two years, the council has managed to continue making progress across the county in relation to accessibility.
Speaking to Dublin Live about Accessibility Week, which ran from November 29 to December 6, Selina said: "It has been quite successful this year, we did our best to make it as accessible and engaging as possible given the world we're living in with Covid.
“National Accessibility Week is an opportunity to promote an understanding of accessibility and what’s possible, and to let people known what accessible facilities and services are in the county.
"This year due to Covid we had library events and videos online to raise awareness. The purpose of Accessibility Week was two things; 1. To explain what accessibility is and the power each person has to promote accessibility and equality in their community, and 2. What opportunities and services are out there for people."
Meanwhile, in recent months during lockdown, the council opened new fully accessible, universal design toilet facilities in County Hall, Tallaght, and the new library in North Clondalkin.
The council has also been actively promoting the Jam Card, with the local authority becoming Jam Card Friendly in recent months.
Created by NOW Group, a social enterprise that supports people with learning difficulties and autism into jobs, Jam Card allows people with a communication barrier to easily tell others they need ‘just a minute’.
However, Selina feels that there are still many challenges facing those with disabilities in Dublin and beyond.
She explained: "There's still a lot of challenges that we need to overcome, we've become much better in Dublin over the years with physical disabilities with the introduction of ramps and elevators.
"But for those with hidden disabilities, like hearing and eyesight impairments, there is still so much to do.
"We need to help people deal with these hidden disabilities with patience and respect, but I'm really pleased with how Accessibility Week went this year."
Selina, who herself uses a wheelchair, said that over the years she has gained an excellent rapport with other people with disabilities.
"I feel very lucky to work with South Dublin County Council, we're doing our best and there is a very strong commitment in the organisation to help improve the lives of people with disabilities in communities across south Dublin."
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