Every August, Vision Ireland's Clear Our Paths campaign highlights the potentially hazardous temporary obstacles that pose a risk to the health and well-being of people who are blind or visually impaired.
Taking place from Monday, August 18, to Friday, August 22, Galway's blind or visually impaired residents will be raising awareness of the challenges they face while going about their daily lives, and how their fellow Galwegians can support them by changing their attitudes and behaviour.
Ahead of next week's campaign, local woman and advocate for the blind and visually impaired, Gina McNamara, has urged Galway residents to be cognisant of the challenges she faces daily while walking through the streets of her home city.
"The obstacles we face include: cars parked on footpaths, dog fouling, wheelie bins being left out on footpaths, inappropriately placed street furniture, overhead branches and election posters which are placed at an inappropriately low level.
"In my experiences walking with my guide dog, these obstacles make getting around very difficult, and as a result, I often end up having to walk on the road. In addition to obstacles on the road, low-hanging branches and overgrown nettles are also a risk, and in the past, I have been injured due to this, with nettles even going into my eyes.
"It is very stressful for both me and my guide dog to deal with these issues while on our daily walk," said McNamara.
Stressful and scary
Having both navigated the city with the support of guide dogs, particularly her current guide dog named Joe, and with a long cane, McNamara has urged Galway residents to be mindful of their actions and how they impact others.
"I am asking and pleading with members of the public to be more conscious and aware. Before I got Joe, I used a long cane, and it was a nightmare getting around. And it is quite scary to see how people can be so careless in their actions.
"These issues affect all of my peers in the city and count who also have long canes and guide dogs."
What may be considered a mild inconvenience for those without visual impairment poses a serious risk of injury for those who are. By changing our attitudes as a collective through small, simple measures, Galway's residents and both local authorities can actively support people with disabilities, resulting in a fairer, more accessible society.
With next week's campaign highlighting these issues on a local and national level, Clear Our Paths reminds everyone that small acts of consideration can make a huge difference to Galwegians like McNamara.
It is high time Galway worked together to clear the paths and make the city and its surroundings safe for everyone.
