FEATURE ARTICLE
Environmental clues: using them and losing them Guide Dogs Australia 2023 Survey
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uide Dogs Australia conducted research through EY Sweeney from February to March 2023 to better understand the needs of people around Australia with low vision or blindness to identify instances of unfair treatment or discrimination. As part of a longitudinal study, with previous research taking place in 2010 and 2015, this research was aimed to better understand the needs of people with low vision or blindness when accessing their communities. This article will focus on the findings relating specifically to footpath and urban design challenges. It will also discuss the environmental clues used by people with low vision or blindness and the paramount safety concerns when they are removed.
Survey Methodology A total of 622 people from around Australia, aged 18 years or older with blindness or low vision completed the 2023 survey. Results indicated a very strong narrative that people with low vision or blindness face numerous challenges in public places, which greatly impacts their confidence and ability to access and participate in their community. Respondents suggested that if urban design was improved and if awareness of their challenges were enhanced through community education, many of their issues would be mitigated.
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ASSOCIATION OF CONSULTANTS IN ACCESS AUSTRALIA / ACCESS INSIGHT / SUMMER 2023-2024
