Three Chambers of Commerce in the North West have come together to promote accessibility in Donegal and Strabane.
The heads of the Chambers in Letterkenny, Ballybofey / Stranorlar and Strabane have come out in support of the Change a Little, Change a Lot Accessibility Awards.
The awards programme encourages organisations make little changes to their work practices and working environment under four headings: access to information, built environment, communication and attitudes and awareness.
Funding for this project has been provided by the European Union’s INTERREG IVA programme, secured by Co-operation and Working Together’s (CAWT) Community Awareness Programme.
Toni Forrester CEO of Letterkenny Chamber says improving access is a smart business move.
“This is a wonderful initiative rewarding businesses who make small changes to improve accessibility. The free support package from ADAPT will help organisations to get involved, even those who feel they have little or no additional financial resources to spend in this area. We will certainly be encouraging our members to participate.”
Charlie Ferry is Chairman of Ballybofey Stranorlar Chamber of Commerce. He says the importance of accessibility just makes business sense given that 12% of the population has a disability.
“Organisations who are committed to looking after all their customers including those with disabilities will be honoured through this campaign and we are delighted to be on board.”
Declan Hughes, Chairman of Strabane Chamber of Commerce is inviting their members to get involved.
“We are asking our members to consider entering under one of the eight categories which are transport, health, education, housing, retail, industry and hospitality. Winners will be rewarded with a free marketing package from Media Box, which promises to provide free media profiling to award winning organizations in this difficult time.
The Change a Little, Change a Lot Accessibility Awards programme is open to businesses, non-profit and statutory organisations based in the Strabane District Council area and in adjoining border areas within Donegal County Council’s remit including Killea, Carrigans, St. Johnston, Newtowncunningham, Manorcunningham, Raphoe, Convoy, Castlefinn, Killygordon, Lifford, Letterkenny, Drumkeen, Ballybofey, Stranorlar and Cloghan.
An independent Advisory Committee will decide on the allocation of all Awards. This programme will run until May, so organizations are encouraged to enter now and make those changes which will ultimately create a win-win situation for all involved. At the end of the Campaign, eight Change a Little, Change a Lot Accessibility Awards Category Winners will be chosen and one overall Change a Little, Change a Lot Accessibility Award Winner will be announced at a Gala Awards Ceremony on 30th May 2013.
For more information on the awards log onto www.changealittlechangealot.com or find them on facebook and twitter. You can also contact Media Box on 00353 74-9168478 or email Joanne@mediabox.ie
