A blind Belfast woman has an important message for sighted people on social distancing after being verbally attacked in a store.
Heather Owens says she's had some difficult experiences as she’s tried to navigate the new socially distanced world.
As an essential guidance on social distancing, to support blind and partially sighted people, has now been published, Heather has an important message for the public.
"We need to help sighted people to better understand how difficult it is to socially distance when you can’t read the signage or see the tape," she said.
"People must have patience and understanding as we're doing our best under very difficult circumstances.
"My hope is that the release of this guidance will mean people will show greater awareness and kindness to people with sight loss and that my previous experience won’t be repeated."
The new guidance has been developed in partnership between RNIB Northern Ireland, Guide Dogs Northern Ireland, the Health and Social Care Board and the Public Health Agency.
It comprises of two documents. One addresses the needs of blind and partially sighted people specifically, covering issues such as guiding and mask wearing.
The second is aimed at raising awareness among the wider public and service providers, offering tips on how to support blind and partially sighted people to resume their everyday activities, as society begins to emerge from lockdown.
Country Director of RNIB in Northern Ireland, Dr Jacqueline Witherow, said: "RNIB NI was delighted to work with colleagues in Guide Dogs NI, the Health and Social Care Board and the Public Health Agency, to deliver this vital guidance. Social distancing has proved to be a tremendous challenge for people with sight loss.
"Our research shows that since lockdown two thirds of blind and partially sighted people say they feel less independent. We hope that this guidance will help rebuild the independence they’ve lost and provide confidence in navigating a changed world. Just as important, we want the wider public to better understand the difficulties our community faces and the support they can provide to those with sight loss."
Policy and Campaigns Manager at Guide Dogs Northern Ireland, Andrew Murdock, added: "Our service users have told us of their anxiety and apprehension around getting out and about because of social distancing.
"These documents offer guidance that will enable the wider community and service providers to better understand the challenges and to provide the practical support necessary, to enable people living with sight loss to go about their day-to-day life with confidence."
The two guidance documents are available on the RNIB NI Website.
