IMPROVING ACCESSIBILITY: A new DVD highlights the inadequacies of building regulations in relation to disability access to public facilities.
Produced by the Dublin Community Forum Disability Focus Group, it highlights specific access problems such as door handles and towel rails that are too high for wheelchair users, absence of colour-coding which would help those with visual impairments and overall poor design which makes it difficult to manoeuvre a wheelchair in a public toilet. "We are not only appealing to the Department of the Environment but also to businesses to be aware that although their facilities comply with regulations, they may not be totally accessible," says Sean Kinsella of the Disability Focus Group. The group can be contacted on tel: 01 2223259 or e-mail community.forum@dublincity.ie
INSIGHT THROUGH SILENCE: Vipassana, or insight meditation, is similar to most forms of meditation in helping you to get in touch with the present moment and to be with things as they are. It is, however, practised in silence. A Dutch teacher of Vipassana will lead a nine-day silent meditation retreat in the Passaddhi Meditation Centre, Adrigole, Beara Peninsula, west Cork from April 28th to May 6th. Information on tel: 027 60223 or www.passaddhi.com and www.vipassana.ie
FLYING AT 40: A residential workshop entitled Flying at Forty will be held in the Burren Holistic Centre, Co Clare from May 1st-4th. Run by Galway-based Xenergie Consulting, it will include sessions on nutrition, fitness, relaxation, life coaching and image. Aimed at those seeking meaningful change in their image, relationships or career, the workshop promises "a survivor's guide to happy and healthy 40s". Cost: €795. Tel: 091 782826 or e-mail info@xenergie.ie
Lifelines is compiled by Sylvia Thompson