Sight-loss charity in elections call
The leading sight-loss organisation in Scotland is calling for Lanarkshire’s two local authorities to tackle the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on visually impaired people.
As both North Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire council’s prepare for local authority elections on May 5, Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans have launched their elections.
The manifesto calls for action from all of Scotland’s local authorities to create better chances for blind and partially-sighted young people by increasing specialist teachers and resources available in schools; to include visually impaired people in planning processes to ensure accessible community spaces; and to promote good eye health and establish links with the third sector.
It also calls for accessible and affordable local transport networks for the creation of an inclusive Scotland for blind and partially-sighted people.
This includes the establishment of new national rail travel policy for Scotland which would enable free rail travel across Scotland for any holder of a National (Scotland) Concessionary Travel for Blind Persons card and their companion.
Craig Spalding, chief executive of the charity, said:“Blind and partially-sighted people have been profoundly and disproportionately affected by the impact of Coronavirus.
“As Scotland embarks upon its recovery from the pandemic, it’s essential that all local authorities prioritise sight-loss to ensure visually impaired people are supported to live independently and well.
“Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans’ manifesto lays out actions for local authorities to take forward for the creation of an inclusive Scotland for visually impaired people.”