SAM ROWLANDS, Member of the Welsh Parliament for North Wales, learns more about the challenges facing blind and partially sighted people on our streets.
Mr Rowlands, Shadow Health Minister, was recently invited to walk from Llandudno Railway Station to the promenade, near Venue Cymru and back and see for himself the common barriers they face simply trying to get around.
He said: “I was delighted to have the opportunity to meet up with Rachel Jones, and her guide dog, Flick, and be taken around the town and to actually see and hear about the challenges she has every day.
“I was able to wear a reality headset which can simulate different eye conditions and gives the perspective of what it’s like to navigate the streets and built environment with impaired vision.
“This certainly gave me food for thought as you just don’t realise the many different challenges a blind or partially sighted person has to face when they walk around the town.
“I was very grateful to Rachel for raising the matter with me and allowing me to accompany her on her walk.
“I fully support the work of the Royal National Institute of Blind People and I am more than happy to help raise awareness of this issue in the Welsh Parliament.”
