There are currently more than 50,000 people with impaired vision in Ireland. Now, the National Council for the Blind of Ireland is calling on the public to think of these people and the challenges they face every day when it comes to navigating their towns and cities.

The #ClearOurPaths campaign is urging the public to be aware of any obstacles on footpaths and walkways, which may cause difficulties or pose dangerous for people who are blind or vision impaired.

Common obstacles include wheelie bins in the middle of footpaths, cars parked on the pavement, overhanging trees or bushes, dog litter and more. To help raise awareness, the NCBI has released a video to show the public exactly how much these obstacles can impact people with impaired vision.

Speaking about the campaign, Kevin Kelly, Head of Policy, Advocacy and Campaigns with NCBI said: “Living with impaired vision presents many challenges, but one of the most frustrating and confidence-zapping experiences is running the gauntlet of temporary obstacles placed unwittingly on footpaths by the general public.”

“It takes a lot of courage when you are blind or vision-impaired to head out with your cane or guide dog and independently attempt to go about your business. For many, it can feel as if you are playing a never-ending game of pinball, but unfortunately, you are the ball crashing about,” added Kelly.

To help, the public can take care to bring in bins once they have been collected, clean up after their dogs, observe traffic regulations and only park in designated areas and watch out for any overhanging branches from trees or bushes that may cause an obstruction.

To learn more about the campaign, visit: ncbi.ie/clear-our-paths