Many of us would not be able to fully understand life as a blind person.
A Derry councillor recently got the opportunity to experience life in the city for a blind person and to fully understand the importance of accessible spaces.
UUP Councillor Ryan McCready joined Guide Dogs for the Blind (NI) Policy and Engagement Officer Andrew Murdock and Andrea O'Hagan with her guide dog Becky for a walk around the city of Derry to understand the needs of a blind or partially sighted person.
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Cllr Ryan McCready said: "To understand a person's perspective you have to walk a day in their shoes, so we took on a challenge to spend a day in the life of Andrea as an unsighted person and understand how she navigates the city.
"At the end of the day I now look at the city different, not everything is inclusive, not everything is as it should be around infrastructure for those with disabilities.
"Every time you walk through the city it seems straight forward, but those who are partially sighted or unsighted every street corner and kerb is a big challenge and can stop them from enjoying the city and engaging with the community.
"Guide dog Becky supports Andrea getting around the city with less fuss, if you are walking around the city don't be afraid to engage and talk with people like Andrea.
"Just be mindful whilst at crossings allow the guided person to be nearest the crossing box to feel the spinning cone underneath to allow them to be guided to cross safely."
Andrea was keen to make Cllr McCready aware that when councils and governments are planning they need to engage more with service users and find out what they need to access leisure facilities and everything else the city has to offer.
Andrea felt sometimes a lot of adjustments are aimed at mobility disability rather than all disabilities.
Guide Dogs (NI) are currently running a campaign to make people aware of the impact that pavement parking can have for guide dog users like Andrea.
When vehicles are parked on pavements, people with a vision impairment may have to risk their lives by walking into the road just to get by them.
This is an issue that also impacts parents with children, wheelchair users, older people and many others.
Their research shows that 97% of people with a vision impairment encounter problems with street obstructions, and 90% of those had experienced trouble with a pavement parked car.
Ryan McCready wanted to encourage more people to help organisations such as Guide Dogs NI, who help those who are blind or partially sighted to integrate themselves better into their community.
He said: "One way you can support Guide Dogs is by sponsoring a puppy, I did this a few months back, the puppy I sponsor is called Dexter who has already started his journey to become a Guide Dog, and I will get pupdates about his progress."
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