Dunfermline councillors experience sight-loss simulation

RNIB Scotland arranged the exercise to highlight the problems experienced by blind and partially sighted people when trying to navigate shared spaces.

The councillors who took part were Rod Cavanagh, Gordon Pryde, and Ann Verner. Councillor Verner has glaucoma, which is a sight-loss condition.

The councillors took part in a discussion with local residents with sight loss, before taking a 15-minute walk in the city centre. The spectacles simulated different sight loss conditions - these were blotchy (retinopathy), cloudy (cataract) and tunnel (glaucoma) vision.

There were many obstacles to navigate. (Image: RNIB)Councillor Gordon Pryde said: “I did not understand previous to this exercise what sight loss means. I did not understand. It certainly gave me an understanding.”

The councillors faced several obstacles on their walk, including bollards.

“Partially sighted and blind people continue to be confronted with issues they should not be having.” added Cllr Pryde.

One significant obstacle for partially sighted or blind people is cars parked on pavements. A parked car on a pavement can mean that a person has to venture out onto the road.

“There has to be realisation that parking on pavements makes it incredibly difficult for blind and partially sighted people to live a life as we do," said Cllr Pryde.

“If they approach a pavement and they have a guide dog, the dog doesn’t necessarily know how to deal with it.”

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The route taken by the councillors highlighted some of the issues raised in the RNIB Scotland’s Street Credibility report. The report highlights many concerns around the design of urban landscapes which affects the ability of those with sight loss.

Tracy Boland, a guide dog user and a member of Social Eyes, a local group for those with visual impairments, said: “When I’m out and about, all I’m thinking about are the obstacles I have to get around. So many of the pavements are full of A-boards [advertising boards] and bollards, or we’re sharing spaces with cars.

“Blind and partially sighted people are almost invisible to everyone else. How are we supposed to make ourselves seen? I’ve written letters, taken photographs, and things stay the same. I’ve not got any fight left in me.

“Events like today are so important, so councillors and other decision makers can understand navigating streets from our perspective. They’re the ones that can make sure we’re not excluded from future development plans so we can get about safely and independently.”