Introduction

This chapter will discuss the key elements necessary to measure progress in achieving the aims of a national disability strategy. It will build upon the examples of best practice given throughout the comparative study and assess the potential of current Irish initiatives to achieve these aims. The key factors considered will include tools to support measuring progress, such as accessible information, transparent processes and measurable indicators, encouraging a culture of compliance with comprehensive data collection processes, and prioritisation of strategic goals in consultation with all stakeholders.

The inclusive and effective mechanisms for implementing and monitoring described in the previous chapter can only be successful where combined with the ability to measure progress in achieving the aims of a national disability strategy. There are two essential elements of measuring progress in achieving the aims of a national disability strategy. First, measurements or indicators must be developed in conjunction with people with disabilities to assess levels of progress in an accurate and meaningful way. In developing these measures and indicators, there must be some consensus as to what should be measured (and who decides this) and indicators chosen may also need to be ranked in order of importance to ensure strategic prioritisation. Second, a system of measurement and monitoring must be developed to track progress in achieving the goals of the National Disability Strategy. This process must allow for learning among organisations responsible for delivering the strategy, including government departments, state bodies, and community or voluntary organisations involved in operationalising the national disability strategy.