30th September 2022
The campaign organisers the Disability Federation of Ireland, DFI, have developed an online tool that campaigners can use to test and rate their local area along with using MWD stickers to highlight the issues faced by people.
Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr. Deirdre Forde said:
"We all share public spaces and are entitled to share them equally and safely. However, for many people, those with a disability, the visually impaired, or those simply unable to manoeuvre as well around obstacles, Make Way Day is about highlighting these issues, making the public aware of them and encouraging a change in behaviour".
Chief Executive Officer of Cork City Council, Ann Doherty said:
“Make Way Day focuses on individual responsibility, on looking at what we can all do immediately to help our fellow citizens get from A to B, a very basic right. We in Cork City Council are happy to work with DFI in supporting the role out of Make Way Day across Cork City.”
Chairperson, Johnny Murphy reflected the ongoing work of the Cork Access Group with Cork City Council:
“The Cork Access Group and staff from the Roads and Traffic Sections in the Operations Directorate meet regularly focusing on accessibility of the roads infrastructure for use by people with disabilities in and around Cork city. The focus is to accommodate requirements to improve the quality of life and access of people with disabilities of the public space by improving existing facilities, considering requests for new facilities and consultation on planned works around the city.”
The backbone of the MWD 2022 campaign are people with disabilities. The online tool empowers them to survey their area for obstacles and rate its accessibility. It will once again give them the chance to share their frustrations by posting photos of obstacles to social platforms with the hashtag, #MakeWayDay22
The tool will be available at https://www.makewayday.com/about/ from partner local authorities such as Cork City Council, https://www.corkcity.ie/en/council-services/services/community/supporting-community-groups/ on Friday the 30th of September, Make Way Day. It is easy to use and download to a phone and will be circulated widely on the campaign’s social media platforms.
The aim is to have all neighbourhoods join up, to give one comprehensive map of access in Ireland. DFI will coordinate all the results and aims to feed them back to the right people and work together towards clearer streets.
