Ballymoney man's campaign for better access for people with sight loss

NORTH Antrim MLA Sian Mulholland has backed Ballymoney constituent Alex Patterson after he completed a walk from Belfast City Hall to Stormont on Tuesday (3 Nov), accompanied by his guide dog Angus and daughter Jana.

Alex undertook the challenge to highlight the barriers blind and partially sighted people continue to face in their everyday lives. Seemingly ordinary obstacles, including street furniture, advertising boards, outdoor seating, roadworks and inconsiderately parked cars, can make journeys difficult, stressful and potentially dangerous.

Alex has also spoken about his experience of being refused entry to restaurants because he is accompanied by Angus, despite the legal protections afforded to assistance dog owners.

Ms Mulholland highlighted Alex’s experiences in a speech in the Assembly, including the legal protections in place for guide dog owners. Under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, service providers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people accessing goods and services. This includes accommodating guide dogs, subject to limited exceptions.

Speaking after Alex’s walk, Ms Mulholland said: “I’m incredibly proud of Alex and the determination he has shown in undertaking this challenge. As his constituency MLA and a friend, I know how important this issue is to him and how much work he has done to make Ballymoney and the wider community a more sight-inclusive place.

“Having the confidence to go about your daily life, visit the places you want to go and take part in your community should never be something you have to fight for. Yet that is the reality for too many people with sight loss.

“Alex has used his own experiences to highlight these issues and push for change, and I was pleased to bring his concerns into the Assembly. But raising awareness is only the beginning. We need to see greater understanding, respect for people's rights and practical changes that make our communities accessible to everyone.

“I want to thank Alex for his determination and for taking the time to share his experiences, Jana for joining him, and of course Angus for the incredible work he does every day.”

Alex said the walk was about raising awareness of the barriers people with sight loss face, as well as helping more people access the independence a guide dog can provide: “Through this walk, I want to highlight two important issues. The first is the need to raise more money for Guide Dogs so more people can experience what I have experienced with Angus. There is currently a three-year waiting list, and it costs around £75,000 to train a guide dog over the first two years of its life, so funding is absolutely vital.

“The other issue is access refusal. Even though it is illegal, around 90% of guide dog owners will experience being refused access at some point. It can knock your confidence and leave people reluctant to go out. I will challenge it when it happens to me, but even I have to phone restaurants ahead to make sure Angus will be welcome. People shouldn't have to plan their day around worrying whether they will be allowed in. Everyone deserves to enjoy their community without those barriers.”