Access to transport makes the world of difference for people who are blind or have low vision.
It’s a fundamental part of getting to work, remaining independent and socially active, but unfortunately people who are blind or have low vision still face numerous challenges when attempting to access it.
Our advocates have presented more than 20 barriers preventing our community from fully accessing New South Wales' transport systems via the Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017-2021.
“The simple act of taking the bus comes with many obstacles for thousands of people who are blind or have low vision in NSW. Most bus stops do not have audio information about routes and arrival buses,” says Susan Thompson, Vision Australia Advocacy Advisor.
“Thousands of individuals have to rely on transport staff to get by, which is far from ideal – it’s dangerous, unreliable and encroaches on our desire to live independently.”
Vision Australia has worked with decision makers in the past to ensure the needs of people who are blind or have low vision are taken into account when it comes to transport infrastructure and will continue to advocate for transport to be accessible for our community, not just in NSW, but across Australia.
If you’d like a copy of our submission to the Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2017-2021 or for further information please contact Susan at susan.thompson@visionaustralia.org.