Lisburn & Castlereagh reaches a ‘baker’s dozen’ with its accessible signs

June 6, 2022

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council continues to enhance the accessibility of its parks and open spaces. It now has 13 ‘Map for All’ installed, the most of any UK council area.

The final four ‘Map for All’ signs have been installed in Billy Neill MBE Country Park, Hydebank Playing Fields, Lough Moss Playing Fields and Hillsborough Forest Park.

Communities Minister Hargey, commenting on the council’s use of funding secured through the DfC Access and Inclusion Programme funding, said: “I am delighted that my Department was able to support this project through its Access and Inclusion Programme which is aimed at addressing the physical barriers to engagement in arts, culture and active recreation by people with disabilities.

One of my Department’s key objectives is the promotion of social inclusion across all Section 75 groups, including those with a disability. The ‘Map for All’ initiative will help to make the parks and open spaces across Lisburn and Castlereagh more inclusive for everyone.”

Councillor Sharon Skillen, Leisure & Community Development Chair, commented: “As a council we aim to create ‘Access for All’ facilities.  We want everyone’s experience to be as enjoyable and inclusive as possible.  I am delighted our 12 parks and open spaces now have ‘Map for All’ signs. They offer independence to blind and partially sighted people when exercising in our green spaces.

“Each innovative map contains an overview of the facility layout that can be read by sight, touch or a combination of both. We will continue to avail of opportunities to enhance access at both existing and new facilities for enjoyment by a wider audience.”

Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) developed the ‘Map for All’ product that uses a mixture of layers, raised large print, braille lettering, tactile and visual symbols with a variety of colours and textures.

Robert Shilliday, Country Director at Royal National Institute of Blind People Belfast, added: “Well done to Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council for their vision and leadership in this matter.  They have truly ‘knocked it out of the park’ to ensure that people with sight difficulties have a more engaging visit.  These signs are informative and allow greater independence and inclusion. We look forward to other councils across Northern Ireland following their example."

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council thanks the Department for Communities for jointly funding these last four signs.