Today is #MakeWayDay 2021

Westmeath has been challenged to rate its own accessibility today on #MakeWayDay 2021, which aims to improve Ireland’s everyday access for those with disabilities.

The campaign has been organised by the Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI), with the support of Westmeath Community Development to test just how accessible your 5k area is.

Last year, the campaign reached more than one million people on social media and helped raise awareness of the needs of people with disabilities in public spaces.

On Friday September 24, people are being asked to take note of any everyday obstacles, such as cars parked on footpaths or bins left out, and to share photos of them on social media with the tag, #MakeWayDay21.

The gardaí have been supporting the campaign for three years and on the day, the traffic division will adopt a zero-tolerance approach to cars parked on footpaths.

The CEO of Westmeath Community Development, Frank Murtagh, said that the campaign has highlighted the need for people to raise their awareness of basic obstacles.

“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,” he said.

“Westmeath Community Development are happy to work with DFI and partners like the Disability Working Group, WCC and the many volunteers from community groups around the county who highlight access issues around Westmeath,” he added.

The DFI has said the campaign aims to empower those with disabilities to call out their communities to ensure their 5k is as accessible as it can be.

They have also confirmed that they plan on using each area’s challenge to create a comprehensive map of access for Ireland.

Ahead of the day, people have been asked to download the test from www.makewayday.com, the Westmeath Community Development website www.westcd.ie, or Westmeath County Council, www.westmeathcoco.ie.