Media Box Releases

Why Making A Little Change, Makes a Big Difference

Apply Now for the Change A Little Change A Lot Accessibility Awards

It's time to open your doors to change. Apply now for the Change a Little Change a Lot Accessibility Awards and take the first step in becoming an organisation that considers, cares for and is proactive in making local communities more accessible.

The Change a Little Change a Lot Accessibility Awards campaign is open to businesses, non-profits and statutory agencies committed to developing better outcomes that make a real difference for all customers, including those with disabilities.

The campaign is being spearheaded by the Community Awareness Programme and jointly supported by Strabane District Council, Donegal County Council, Western Health and Social Care Trust and the Health Service Executive. Funding for the project has been provided by the European Union’s INTERREG IVA programme, secured by Co-operation and Working Together’s (CAWT) Citizenship Project.

Caroline Shiels,  ADAPT says, “Change starts here. Right now. This August with a unique programme that coaches businesses and organisations throughout the journey from completing an initial assesment to helping you achieve new standards in accessibility. And it’s absolutely free.”

By completing the five following steps in the Awards process your organisation will be on the way to making a big difference to the lives of people with disabilities in your area:

Step 1: Complete the self-assessment checklist

You can download and/or  complete your self-assessment checklist online at

www.changealittlechangealot.com 

Step 2: A tailored package of support

Once you complete your self-assessment checklist a member of the ADAPT Support Team will work with applicants; providing practical assistance to identify accessibility barriers and

recognise practicable, cost effective changes that can be made. The support available from ADAPT will be tailored specifically to meet the applicant's requirements and to reflect the change stipulated for Bronze, Silver and Gold awards.

Step 3: Implementing Change

Applicants will be assisted to implement the changes that were agreed through the tailored package of support.  The project support team will also offer assistance to help applicants fill out an official application form. Your application will help you compile evidence of what you have already achieved, and what you plan to do next. You are invited to submit additional evidence of accessibility in your organisation e.g. photos, videos, written documents, awards or testimonials.

Step 4: Adjudication by the Independent Advisory Board

When your application is complete it will be submitted to an Independent Advisory Board who will adjudicate on your potential to be awarded a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award. Your application is judged according to the award criteria set out by the Change a Little, Change a Lot Accessibility Awards Programme.

Step 5: If you are successful in obtaining a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award, Media Box will be in contact with you to make arrangements for your free creative marketing package and for a formal presentation of your awards certificate.

All Applicants will have access to bespoke support which may include:

A property appraisal to help organisations identify access barriers. Disability Equality Training to address organisational and staff attitudes, increase understanding and confidence when engaging people with disabilities. Policy screening to help drive positive change throughout the organisation. Disability Action Plans aiming to sustain progress.

The assessment process uses 12 indicators to measure an organisation's performances over the four key areas of Awareness & Attitude; Access to Information; Communication and Built Environment. Each award sector will have an overall winner. An overall winner will be chosen from the eight sector winners. All Bronze, Silver and Gold award winners will be invited to an overall awards ceremony to take place in 2013.

The programme is open to all organisations in the Strabane District Council area and the border areas of Donegal which are: Killea, Carrigans, St. Johnston, Newtowncunningham, Manorcunningham, Raphoe, Convoy, Castlefinn, Killygordon, Lifford, Letterkenny, Drumkeen, Ballybofey, Stranorlar and Cloghan.

For more information on the awards log onto www.changealittlechangealot.com or contact Joanne Sweeney-Burke, Media Box on 00 353 74 9168478 or email joanne@mediabox.ie.

ENDS.