Guernsey 'not accessible' for blind people

Guernsey is "not accessible" for blind and visually impaired people, those with sight loss have said.

Pete Torode, who is severely visually impaired, said getting around the island on foot was "challenging".

He said: "It is incredibly intimidating... The world isn't made for people with white canes. There are obstacles that hang down that the cane won't catch, there are things that the cane slides underneath, and the first you know about it is when you walk into it because the cane doesn't hit it."

Laura Oxbridge, head of on-island travel for the States, said: "Improving transport accessibility for all members of the community, including those with disabilities, is one of [our] objectives.

Torode said he had places that he classed as "no-go" areas.

"I like to walk. But, for example, if I need to go up for an eye test at the MSG [Medical Services Group] and I work in Town, then crossing the road at the top of the Boardage is really hard.

"Crossing the road at the bottom of Colborne Road is incredibly difficult."

Keith, who also has visual impairments, said leaving his house could be "scary".

"I've always got to tell people where I'm going, always make sure I let them know I've gone from say from place A to B safely.

"I always feel like a child. I'm a 52-year-old man, but I'm meant to report when I've got to somewhere safely, which I shouldn't have to do."

Chantelle Tucker, from the Guernsey Blind Association (GBA), said that "small, reasonable adjustments" would make a big difference.

She said: "I think when the discrimination law was first spoken about and brought into place, a lot of people, unfortunately, were scared away and they kind of hid in the sand because it was frightening. They didn't know what to do.

"But, as we say to people, it's reasonable adjustments - we're not asking you to bulldoze buildings; just put some edging on the end of some steps. It's reasonable adjustments, it has to be proportionate."

Oxbride said Town "inevitably" had more heritage features.

"We have to take [this] into consideration, but there are ways to balance these competing factors."

Deputy Ross Le Brun has taken measures into his own hands by drawing a white line at the top of South Pier Steps.

He said: "[I saw] an email from early April where the Guernsey Blind Association were trying to get a white strip put on top of the pier steps so people with limited sight can actually get a clear view of where where the first step is, really a simple little thing.

"I just happened to be in Town at the time, and I also just happened to have a few bits of chalk in the back of my bike, so I just did it.

"It's nothing really. It's just a bit of chalk, but it's a white line and I took a photo of it just to give an example of what they were asking for, and it's got a bit of traction and it just shows how simple things can be."

Oxbridge said officials were working with organisations such as the GBA to discuss particular areas of concern and they would continue to welcome feedback.

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