Campaign raises challenges faced by the disabled
THE first #MakeWayDay was held across Louth last week, aiming to raise awareness of the difficulties faced by disabled people when cars and other obstacles block footpaths.
Louth County Council was among fifteen of the country’s local authorities and four leading disability organisations which came together to call for greater public awareness of the needs of people with disabilities in the public spaces we all share. .
In Dundalk, local Councillor Maeve Yore joined local disability activists for a tour of the town, to gauge the everyday challenges facing disabled people.
‘We were delighted the campaign was taking place in Louth. It was a really good opportunity to get out and see some of the typical obstacles people with disabilities or visual impairments face,’ said Cllr. Yore.
Among the most common challenges are cars or vans parked on footpaths, blocking the way for all pedestrians; bicycle/motorbikes chained to lampposts creating a trip hazard for a visually impaired person and the placement of bins, barrels and other obstructions.
‘Often people don’t really think how leaving their bin out on the footpath could be a hazard for a disables person trying to get around it,’ she added.
‘Or they might not be aware that low hanging branches could be a risk for someone with a visual impairment. That’s why this campaign is so important, to raise awareness of the everyday things that people do which might cause difficult for others.’
She added that obstructions aren’t just an issue for the disabled, but can also be a safety issue for the elderly, or parents with prams, who may have to go out on to a busy road to get around a car parked on a footpath.’
‘If this campaign convinces even one person to change their behaviour it will have been a success.’