Cavan County Council uses the definition of disability given in the Disability Act 2005:
"Disability, in relation to a person, means a substantial restriction in the capacity of the person to carry on a profession, business or occupation in the State or to participate in social or cultural life in the State by reason of an enduring physical, sensory, mental health or intellectual impairment."
How we think about disability
Cavan County Council works from the social model of disability. Historically, disability was seen as a medical problem. lt is only in recent years that people have come to see that disability is an issue for society, not a problem for individuals.
According to the social model, the exclusion of people with disabilities from everyday activities is the result of the way in which we, as a society, organise ourselves. In Cavan County Council we are working towards a society in which physical and mental differences among people are accepted as normal and expected, rather than being seen and treated as abnormal or unusual. As a society we have plenty of ways of accommodating human differences should we choose to. How we react to human differences is a social choice and a policy choice. Cavan County Council stands for a social structure that aims to make sure that everyone can play a full part in society.
What we mean by universal accessibility
Universal accessibility is a user-centred approach. The idea is to simplify life for everyone of all ages, sizes and abilities, by making seruices and facilities usable by all, irrespective of varying degrees of ability.
Role of the CRAIC Team
The CRAIC Team is an internal cross-sectional group of key staff. CRAIC stands for "Creating Reasonable Accommodation in Cavan". Established in 2005, the role of the CRAIC Team is to embed universal accessibility into the way Cavan County Council works. A member of the Council's Senior Management Team chairs CRAIC and ensures that the Team focuses on delivery within the framework of our Corporate Plan.
Role of the CRAIC Advisory Group
The CRAIC Advisory Group represents people with all forms of disability. lt makes sure that local people with disabilities are central to Council decision-making and have a clear voice in our efforts to deliver universal accessibility.
Three members of the CRAIC Team are also members of the CRAIC Advisory Group. This helps to ensure good communication and effective working relationships.
For more information about the CRAIC Advisory Group please take a look at What we want to achieve.