Clear Our Paths: Covid-19 has made our streets an obstacle course for visually impaired

For members of the sight loss community, the move to outdoor recreation and dining means further obstacles, which is why the National Council for the Blind of Ireland has launched its #ClearOurPaths campaign

Umbrellas, chair legs and other obstacles introduced by outdoor dining present a challenge to people with visual impairment. Picture: Larry Cummins

Often when I am out and about walking around Dublin using my cane, I’m concentrating on trying to avoid all the various bins, poles, cars parked on footpaths that for many, are not even a consideration, but for me resemble an obstacle course.

Many of these obstacles are not permanent and just wouldn’t exist if there were consistent public awareness campaigns, educating and challenging people to be more considerate. I am hoping that this piece will help others to better understand the impact of their actions on me and the thousands of others who are blind or vision impaired.