Access Policy

Introduction

The CSO is committed to ensuring the accessibility of our buildings, services and data for all CSO service users. This policy outlines how we will meet the needs of all our customers in compliance with our obligations under the Disability Act 2005.

To ensure services are accessible by persons with disabilities the CSO has reviewed its work environment and processes. Challenges identified include:

• Communication, where presented in inaccessible formats
• Maintaining awareness of the needs of people with disabilities
• The physical environment, e.g. design, layout, signage, lighting
• Service design, e.g. where systems, procedures and practices can present obstacles

This policy will address these challenges.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure the CSO is compliant with and adhering to our obligations under disability legislation.

Access Officer

Under the Disability Act 2005, all Government offices are required to appoint one or more Access Officers. Access Officers act as a point of contact and are responsible for assisting our customers with disabilities in accessing the services provided by the CSO. They are also responsible for implementing and raising awareness of this policy.

The CSO has appointed Access Officers in the following areas:

• Communications and Dissemination
• Field Administration Unit
• Census Administration
• Technology and Statistical Services
• Facilities Management

Access Officers report directly to an Access Team, a working group composed of senior managers representing these key areas.

Contact Details

Email: AccessOfficer@cso.ie

Phone: (+353) 21 453 5000

Post:
Central Statistics Office
Communications and Dissemination
Skehard Road
Cork
T12 X00E

Complaints regarding an Access Officer's failure to provide services should be submitted to the designated Inquiry Officer.

CSO's Objectives

In line with this policy, the CSO will aim to:

• Ensure that existing documents are available in accessible formats where practicable. Where it is not possible to provide the entire document in an accessible format, an Executive Summary will be provided.
• Ensure that where possible, all new documentation is completed in compliance with accessibility standards. Resource documents such as the Accessibility Site of the Publication Office of the EU will be used as reference points for preparation of such documents.
• Make guidelines on creating accessible documents available to all staff.
• Accommodate requests through third parties if we cannot produce a specific format that meets the needs of all service users in-house.
• Communicate the availability of information in accessible formats to staff and all our customers.
• Establish channels of communication to facilitate accessible format requests and ensure that all staff are aware of the procedure for receipt and delivery of such requests.
• Ensure that all information and documents on our websites, including www.cso.ie, are available in an accessible format as often as possible, that our websites meet accessibility standards to the greatest extent possible, and that they can be used with assistive technologies. Where this is not the case, we provide an alternative pathway to provide content and information to our service users through direct contact with us.
• Prepare a checklist for the organisation of testing sessions taking into account how to respond to requests for special needs.
• Provide Irish Sign Language (ISL) interpreting services when requested at CSO public events such as press releases, conferences and recruitment interviews, ensuring equal access and opportunities available to a hearing audience.
• Ensure invitations to press releases, conferences and recruitment interviews invite attendees to make the CSO aware of their support needs or accommodations with reasonable notice to allow us to facilitate requests.
• Continue to ensure that our premises are fully accessible by providing the appropriate physical environment (e.g. design, layout, signage, lighting).

Access to Information in Alternative Formats

The CSO's aim is to ensure that documents are available on request in a wide range of accessible formats and that all new documentation is completed in compliance with accessibility standards.

A wide range of information and documents are available on the CSO's website, www.cso.ie. The CSO recognises the importance of ensuring that our website is accessible to everyone. We are committed to making our website accessible in accordance with all relevant Irish and European legislation. We are continually working to improve our website user experience for everyone and make our content available to the widest possible audience, including those who use assistive technologies. Further information is available in our website Accessibility Statement

Other information or surveys in braille, audio or large print PDF formats are also available on request. If we cannot produce a specific format that meets our customer needs in-house, we will, within reason, attempt to accommodate their request through third parties. We will communicate the availability of alternative formats and how to request them on our website.

CSO customers can indicate their preferred method of communication and any specific requirements. We will ensure that all CSO frontline staff are aware of the supports available and procedures for handling such requests. Any customers wishing to obtain CSO services in an accessible format should contact the Access Officer (contact details outlined above).

The Access Officer will provide customers with disabilities with copies of documents in the requested accessible format within a reasonable timeframe, where practicable and cost-effective. The CSO will endeavour to provide most accessible formats as quickly as practicable; braille, audio and related formats (visual aids, sign language videos, subtitles, etc.) may require more time. In such cases, the customer will be kept informed of the expected delivery date for their request.

Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed at three-yearly intervals from the date of publication, or as soon as practicable after there has been a material change in any matter to which this policy refers. It will be evaluated by the Access Officers through the following methods:

• Monitoring the demand for information in alternative formats beyond what our in-house resources can provide.
• Seeking user feedback from CSO customers which will enhance our services.
• Reporting on access needs to the Access Team.
• Engaging with Access Officers from other organisations to discuss shared learnings, common issues, best practices, etc.

The Access Officers will continue to monitor the general implementation of this policy.

Formal Complaints

If a customer is not satisfied with the CSO's response, a complaint can be made under either the Equal Status Act 2000 (No. 8 of 2000) or the Disability Act 2005 (No. 14 of 2005), or both.

Complaints Under the Disability Act

Advice on making a complaint under the Disability Act is available on the website of the Office of the Ombudsman.

Complaints Under the Equal Status Act

Advice on making a complaint under the Equal Status Act is available on the website of the Workplace Relations Commission.