Lisburn in Focus celebrate first year

The project, funded by the Big Lottery Fund’s Safe & Well Programme, aims to make Lisburn a model of excellence for blind and partially sighted people. The project is overseen by a partnership between Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB NI), Guide Dogs, Lisburn City Centre Management and Lisburn City Council.

At the event Lisburn in Focus staff gave an update on the progress of the project, which has delivered Visual Awareness Training to almost 3000 adults and children, increased the amount of accessible information produced in the Lisburn Council area and worked in partnership with other organisations to remove street clutter and obstacles.

The Crime Prevention Info-tainment team treated the attendees to several humorous sketches on home security, which ties in well with one of the projects goals - to make blind and partially sighted people feel safer in their own homes.

The Mayor, Alderman Paul Porter, congratulated the project for the partnership working which had taken place to date and offered encouragement for the future. Mr Porter then proceeded to present two ‘Model of Excellence’ awards to Del Toro Steakhouse and Urban Grill and to Lagan Valley Rural Transport.

These awards acknowledge the outstanding efforts of a business or organisation to make their services more accessible and inclusive to blind and partially sighted people. Both businesses have put all their staff through Visual Awareness Training, made their written information available in alternative formats (large print, Braille, audio) and are ensuring that their premises and websites are as accessible as possible for all potential customers.

Sister Brid

Smith then spoke about how her gradual involvement in Tandem cycling opened up her horizons again after her sight deteriorated badly in late 1999. Lisburn in Focus is working with Maryland Wheelers to organise a Tandem only event on June 4 at Down Royal Park Golf Course. ‘It Takes Two to Tandem’ is suitable for all tandem pairs, though specially designed to allow blind and partially sighted people the chance to experience tandem cycling on a short route at the Down Royal race course.

The event ended with a light lunch.