Over the past 3 years arts organisations in Northern Ireland have been encouraged to keep accessibility high on the agenda.

Throughout this period, ADAPT NI in association with the Arts Council of Northern Ireland has operated a highly successful project, to promote universal accessibility, and raise awareness of disability equality, leading to increased participation by disabled people in arts and cultural activities.

Since the implementation of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), all arts providers have a responsibility to carry out adjustments to improve accessibility to their facilities. With practical support from the ADAPT scheme, a number of arts organisations have responded positively to legislation by planning and implementing accessible adjustments. Others are still not meeting the requirements of the DDA.

said Chris Ledger, Arts Development Officer at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

The Arts Council’s financial commitment to the ADAPT project has sustained practical support for arts organisations, recognising disability equality as a civil rights issue that demands action.

During the current financial year ADAPT has awarded grants totalling £89,376 to 15 successful applicants, enabling them to carry out a variety of physical modifications to improve accessibility.

However, the end of the financial year is fast approaching, and with the current climate of uncertainty around funding, this is likely to be the last opportunity for arts organisation to secure an incentive grant for adaptations (with access guidance & awareness training offered to staff & volunteer)

The next cut off date for applications to the Programme will be 17 February 2006.

ADAPT looks forward to receiving enquiries from across the arts and culture sector in Northern Ireland. Contact ADAPT NIon Tel 028 90231211 Fax 028 90240878 Email project@adaptni.org

This project is supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland