Accessibility · TheJournal.ie

# accessibility - This year 2022

'I don't know where to turn': Family carers call for reinstatement of funding for ceiling hoists

# Accessibility

'I don't know where to turn': Family carers call for reinstatement of funding for ceiling hoists

Aug 28th 2022, 12:05 AM 17,272 Views 12 Comments

The government has said discussions on the issue are ongoing but has provided no timeline for a solution, Michelle Hennessy reports.
One family told The Journal that they feel like they are being "fobbed off" about vital equipment for their six-year-old daughter.

'My heart sank': Use of 'kissing' gates criticised over lack of accessibility for wheelchair users

# South Dublin

'My heart sank': Use of 'kissing' gates criticised over lack of accessibility for wheelchair users

Apr 3rd 2022, 1:00 AM 53,688 Views 20 Comments

Journalist Ellis Palmer Babe, who is a wheelchair user, was unable to get through a kissing gate in Dodder Valley Park earlier this week.

# accessibility - Last year 2021

# Ombudsman

Ombudsman: Personal transport supports for disabled people 'inadequate and unfair'

Nov 23rd 2021, 6:00 AM 8,100 Views 8 Comments

The Ombudsman has published his report on unequal access to transport schemes for disabled people, an issue first highlighted 20 years ago.

Opinion: The world should not fall into its old ableist habits as Covid re-openings continue

# Ableism

Opinion: The world should not fall into its old ableist habits as Covid re-openings continue

Nov 7th 2021, 8:30 AM 12,000 Views 9 Comments

Matt McCann says despite the challenges of Covid, some welcome changes have come for those with disabilities and those changes should not be lost.

Opinion: 'Housing has been a crisis for disabled people for decades'

# Housing Rights

Opinion: 'Housing has been a crisis for disabled people for decades'

Oct 28th 2021, 7:00 AM 6,508 Views 3 Comments

We have to change the way we think about housing for disabled people, writes James Cawley.

Cars, bins and sandwich boards on footpaths continue to cause issues for wheelchair users

# Accessibility

Cars, bins and sandwich boards on footpaths continue to cause issues for wheelchair users

Sep 24th 2021, 6:20 AM 15,938 Views 19 Comments

Activists have said the situation deteriorated during the pandemic.

‘A significant challenge’: Unclear when public transport will be fully accessible

# No Target

‘A significant challenge’: Unclear when public transport will be fully accessible

Aug 17th 2021, 12:05 AM 13,771 Views 6 Comments

Despite improvements in recent years, ongoing obstacles to accessibility are leading to isolation and anxiety, reports Maria Delaney of Noteworthy, our investigative platform.
The NTA and Department of Transport could not give a date for a fully accessible public transport system.
Inaccessible infrastructure is preventing disabled people from travelling on accessible trains and buses.

'No plans to reinstate' transport schemes for disabled people that activists say are 'vital'

# Costly Cut

'No plans to reinstate' transport schemes for disabled people that activists say are 'vital'

Aug 7th 2021, 8:01 PM 18,393 Views 16 Comments

The Motorised Transport Grant and Mobility Allowance schemes remain closed after a review was recommended over eight years ago.

Stranded, refused and left waiting: Disabled people 'on tenterhooks' trying to access taxis

# REFUSED ENTRY

Stranded, refused and left waiting: Disabled people 'on tenterhooks' trying to access taxis

Updated Aug 5th 2021, 10:40 AM 21,930 Views 19 Comments

Advocates are concerned low availability of accessible taxis is leading to reduced independence, reports Maria Delaney of Noteworthy, our investigative platform.
Most accessibility-related complaints involved taxi drivers refusing to take guide dogs or wheelchair users.
Two-thirds of the current wheelchair accessible vehicles in the taxi fleet are based in the Greater Dublin area.

'White elephant': The €2.7m transport training centre causing conflict in disability community

# Voices Unheard

'White elephant': The €2.7m transport training centre causing conflict in disability community

Aug 2nd 2021, 12:05 AM 27,129 Views 9 Comments

Disabled people feel that once again they were not consulted about a major decision that most affects them, reports Maria Delaney of Noteworthy, our investigative platform.
The NTA and Department of Transport (DOT) were aware of lack of consultation before funding decision.
Concerns were raised numerous times at the DOT Accessibility Consultative Committee.

Irish Rail planning to upgrade or replace lifts and escalators at 22 stations this year

# Accessibility

Irish Rail planning to upgrade or replace lifts and escalators at 22 stations this year

Mar 10th 2021, 1:26 PM 13,413 Views 17 Comments

Disability activists have in recent years highlighted that many lifts are out of service for long periods of time.

# accessibility - All time

Campaign group concerned over increasing number of broken lifts at train stations

# Out Of Order

Campaign group concerned over increasing number of broken lifts at train stations

May 17th 2020, 7:30 PM 16,771 Views 36 Comments

Over eight stations, on average, had lifts out of action over the past two weeks, according to Access for All campaign group.

Irish Rail says it plans to replace and upgrade all its lifts over the next five years

# Accessibility

Irish Rail says it plans to replace and upgrade all its lifts over the next five years

Feb 7th 2020, 12:06 PM 8,980 Views 31 Comments

Disability activists have recently highlighted that many lifts are out of service for long periods of time,

Opinion: Stranded on platforms, crawling through faulty lifts: travelling with a disability on public transport

Feb 6th 2020, 7:01 PM 9,001 Views 5 Comments

Sean O’Kelly tells of the “hit and miss” service that humiliates and distresses people with disabilities.

Irish Rail accused of 'just not caring' as scale of lift problems at train stations revealed

# Accessibility

Irish Rail accused of 'just not caring' as scale of lift problems at train stations revealed

Nov 25th 2019, 12:05 AM 22,800 Views 30 Comments

Over the last two years there have been multiple instances of lifts being out of order for more than 20 consecutive days.

Out-of-order lifts and communication breakdowns: Why taking the DART can be a hugely frustrating experience for wheelchair users

# Off The Rails

Out-of-order lifts and communication breakdowns: Why taking the DART can be a hugely frustrating experience for wheelchair users

Sep 17th 2019, 6:15 AM 7,618 Views 9 Comments

Recent issues with lifts not working have left many wheelchair users unable to access certain stations.

'The returns are huge if we can do this': The need for a world-class public transport system in Ireland

# Ireland 2029

'The returns are huge if we can do this': The need for a world-class public transport system in Ireland

Aug 28th 2019, 8:30 PM 24,739 Views 43 Comments

What needs to happen in Ireland to drastically improve our public transport?

'We aren't considered important': Wheelchair users dismayed over continued lift breakdowns on train line

# Out Of Service

'We aren't considered important': Wheelchair users dismayed over continued lift breakdowns on train line

Aug 28th 2019, 12:05 AM 20,329 Views 49 Comments

‘If people were treated the same way because of their skin colour or religion, the country would shut down.’

Lynn Ruane: In Ireland we're forcing carers to change their children on toilet floors

# Column

Lynn Ruane: In Ireland we're forcing carers to change their children on toilet floors

Jul 7th 2019, 8:30 PM 35,498 Views 24 Comments

The Community Participation Bill 2019 has made me think about what real access looks like, writes Lynn Ruane.

Parking Mad: Filmmaker Paddy Slattery on attempting to access accessible parking

# Opinion

Parking Mad: Filmmaker Paddy Slattery on attempting to access accessible parking

Oct 15th 2018, 7:00 AM 23,832 Views 39 Comments

Filmmaker and wheelchair user Paddy Slattery appeals to drivers to think before blocking accessible parking spaces.

This is why Sinead Burke and others are adding image descriptions to their Instagram posts

# Insta For All

From The Daily Edge

# Insta For All

This is why Sinead Burke and others are adding image descriptions to their Instagram posts

Sep 25th 2018, 8:49 AM 8,478 Views 1 Comment

Let’s keep it accessible, people.

'Everyday bus users are refusing to fold up their buggies to allow wheelchair users on board'

# Dublin Bus

'Everyday bus users are refusing to fold up their buggies to allow wheelchair users on board'

Jul 22nd 2018, 7:45 AM 34,778 Views 107 Comments

The transport committee was told that new regulations are needed to force people to fold up their prams.

Column: 'We waited for three hours on the side of the road in the dark and cold. I'm sick of it'

# Accessibility

Column: 'We waited for three hours on the side of the road in the dark and cold. I'm sick of it'

Apr 8th 2018, 7:30 PM 1,247 Views 40 Comments

This is an issue that wheelchair users face on a daily basis, writes Linda Byrne.

New system on the Dart to slash the notice needed for wheelchair users to access service

# Accessibility

New system on the Dart to slash the notice needed for wheelchair users to access service

Jan 26th 2018, 10:46 PM 17,412 Views 25 Comments

Campaigners had long called for a change to the system of giving 24 hours’ notice.

'Some kind of penalty may be necessary' - new campaign may mean fines for blocking footpaths

# Accessibility

'Some kind of penalty may be necessary' - new campaign may mean fines for blocking footpaths

Jun 20th 2017, 12:05 AM 19,817 Views 95 Comments

A new disabilities campaign launched yesterday will see increased efforts made to keep Dublin’s footpaths clear for those with disabilities.

There's a way to end calls on Android using only the power button

# Convenience

There's a way to end calls on Android using only the power button

Jul 22nd 2016, 5:00 PM 27,222 Views 26 Comments

Handy if your phone takes ages to wake up when you’re finishing a call.

Your iPhone has a handy feature that lets you access anything with one hand

# TechKnowHow

Your iPhone has a handy feature that lets you access anything with one hand

May 8th 2016, 11:00 AM 31,699 Views 12 Comments

And it’s easy to forget about.

Soon you'll be able to control your Android phone without using your fingers

# Speak Now

Soon you'll be able to control your Android phone without using your fingers

Apr 12th 2016, 10:00 AM 11,264 Views 17 Comments

Google has quietly rolled out the beta version of its Voice Access app, allowing you to navigate using speech.

Lending your iPhone or iPad out to someone? Guided access is what you need

# TechKnowHow

Lending your iPhone or iPad out to someone? Guided access is what you need

Dec 20th 2015, 11:15 AM 24,496 Views 7 Comments

If you worry about someone going through your phone when they only need it for one task, activating this will help.

Find keyboard shortcuts a little difficult to do? Turn on Stickykeys

# TechGuide

Find keyboard shortcuts a little difficult to do? Turn on Stickykeys

Dec 2nd 2015, 12:02 PM 11,712 Views 5 Comments

It’s handy if you find or someone else finds it difficult to hit combination keys like Ctrl + Shift + Esc.

There's a hidden 'low light' mode buried deep in your iPhone's settings

# Q-tip

There's a hidden 'low light' mode buried deep in your iPhone's settings

May 26th 2015, 8:30 PM 65,371 Views 29 Comments

And it’s easy to activate (once you know how).

How this Lego-like electronics system allows anyone to build DIY hardware

# Design For Life

How this Lego-like electronics system allows anyone to build DIY hardware

Nov 8th 2014, 4:30 PM 9,727 Views 7 Comments

littleBits allows both kids and adults to build their own DIY devices and prototypes using electronic blocks.

Is Twitter moving to a Facebook-style feed?

# Accessibility

Is Twitter moving to a Facebook-style feed?

Sep 4th 2014, 6:30 PM 10,310 Views 8 Comments

Say it ain’t so.

# Accessibility

Midleton is a 'model town' for accessibility according to the EU

Oct 19th 2013, 8:15 AM 11,430 Views 24 Comments

The town has received EU accreditation for accessibility after improving facilities and infrastructure for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport services.

The town that proves accessibility IS for all (even with no budget)

# Cashel

The town that proves accessibility IS for all (even with no budget)

Aug 25th 2013, 8:45 AM 15,556 Views 14 Comments

Cashel is a heritage town that has seen the whole community come on board to improve accessibility.

Column: At 18, I felt invincible but a sudden accident left me paralysed from the neck down

# Opinion

Column: At 18, I felt invincible but a sudden accident left me paralysed from the neck down

Apr 22nd 2013, 7:30 PM 1,695 Views 35 Comments

Stephen Cluskey suffered an accident that left him paralysed from the neck down at the tender age of 18. Eleven years on, he explains how he learned to adapt to a new way of life and set up his own business.