The Disability Act 2005 is part of a framework of measures which supports social inclusion. Other essential elements in the legislative framework are -

• the Employment Equality Act 1998
• the Equal Status Act 2000
• the Equality Act 2004
• the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004
• the Comhairle (Amendment) Bill 2004.

The Disability Act 2005 is a positive action measure designed to advance and underpin participation by people with disabilities in everyday life. It establishes a statutory basis for individual needs assessment and for mainstreaming. Services identified in the assessment will be provided subject to practicability and resources. Mainstreaming places obligations on public service providers to support access to services and facilities for people with disabilities as well as other citizens, to the greatest practicable extent.

Carlow County Council's objective is to ensure people with disabilities can access the same level of service as all customers.  

To provide an effective service we must ensure that customers can access our services in a manner that suits their needs. This means accommodating any specific requirements, language, or accessibility needs. 

The LEO will be accessible (including provision of appropriate parking, disabled access etc.) to the public during the opening hours of the Local Authority office.

For more information contact our Accessibility Officer or telephone 059-9170345.