The Accessibility Coordinator will be a key champion for inclusive design and accessibility across the Project ensuring that all aspects of the railway infrastructure rolling stock systems and services are accessible and usable by all individuals regardless of their ability. This role will drive the implementation of best practices exceed minimum legislative requirements (e.g. Disability Discrimination Act) and embed a people-centric design approach from concept through to delivery and operation.
Principal Accountabilities
- Develop implement and review inclusive design policies strategies and standards ensuring alignment with organizational goals and national/international best practices.
- Advise project teams designers engineers and stakeholders on disability equality legislation and inclusive design principles promoting a deep understanding of the social model of disability.
- Influence and shape design decisions to remove barriers and enhance the user experience for disabled people and those with diverse needs.
- Conduct comprehensive accessibility and inclusive design reviews of plans specifications and proposals across all project stages (from feasibility to detailed design and construction).
- Ensure designs account for a wide range of impairments (mobility sensory cognitive neurodiversity mental health) and provide choice where a single solution is not feasible.
- Collaborate with design teams to identify opportunities for innovative solutions that enhance accessibility and usability.
- Act as a primary point of contact for disability advocacy groups expert panels (e.g. Built Environment Access Panel) and community organizations facilitating meaningful consultation and incorporating user feedback into design processes.
- Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders including government bodies regulators (e.g. CRR) contractors and operational teams to embed inclusive design across the project lifecycle.
- Undertake Disability Impact Assessments (DIAs) at early stages of projects and monitor their implementation.
- Identify and mitigate accessibility-related risks ensuring legal compliance and contributing to a proactive approach to prevent discrimination.
- Stay abreast of evolving accessibility standards legislation and industry best practices.
- Develop and deliver training and awareness programs to upskill project teams suppliers and contractors on inclusive design principles and accessibility requirements.
- Promote a culture that values diversity and inclusion ensuring that accessibility is seen as integral to quality and project success not an add-on.
- Champion inclusion by promoting the creation and provision of truly accessible environments and services for everyone.
- Promote innovation by seeking creative and practical solutions to complex design challenges often exceeding minimum standards.
- Promote accountability by taking ownership of inclusive design outcomes and driving their successful implementation.
- Perform additional tasks activities or other duties as may be required or assigned as part of the role.
Experience Skills and Qualifications
- 10 years in leading accessibility and inclusive design initiatives ideally within large-scale infrastructure projects transport or the built environment sector.
- In-depth knowledge and practical application of disability equality legislation (e.g. Disability Discrimination Act 2005) and relevant accessibility standards (e.g. Irish Standards for accessible environments).
- Strong understanding of the social model of disability and its application in design.
- Demonstrable experience in conducting design reviews audits and impact assessments related to accessibility.
- Experience working with assistive technologies and understanding user research principles.
- Familiarity with rail-specific operational environments and safety requirements.
- Experience in developing and delivering training programs.
Qualifications :
- Exceptional communication influencing and presentation skills with the ability to articulate complex technical and social issues to diverse audiences.
- Proven ability to manage stakeholder relationships build consensus and drive change within complex organizational structures.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage competing deadlines and priorities.
- Collaborative mindset with a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders fostering an environment of shared understanding and mutual respect.
- Demonstrated resilience by adapting to challenges and maintaining a positive approach in a demanding project environment.
Formal Education Qualifications
- A relevant third-level qualification in architecture urban planning engineering industrial design or disability studies.
- Evidence of continuous professional development in the fields of inclusive design accessibility or disability.
Additional Information :
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Remote Work :
No
Employment Type :
Full-time