On Wednesday 26th June 2019, The National Council for the Blind (NCBI)
launched their pre-budget submission for Budget 2020 as part of a political
briefing for Oireachtas members in Buswells Hotel, Dublin 2. This
comprehensive submission focuses on six key Government Departments where
urgent action is required to assist the almost 55,000 people living with
sight loss in Ireland, a number which is steadily increasing.
Kevin Kelly, Head of Policy, Advocacy & Campaigns with NCBI said "While our
Pre-Budget Submission recommends changes across many Government departments
to improve the lives of people who are blind & vision impaired, of
particular importance is the need to expand the Free Travel Scheme and
ensure universal access to Assistive Technology.
"Presently, the Free Travel Pass offered by the Department of Employment
Affairs & Social Protection is hugely valued by those who can avail of it.
Being able to travel independently on public transport is so important for
people who are blind or vision impaired. However, the eligibility criteria
to obtain a Free Travel Pass is very restrictive and inflexible. Over 700 of
our service users cannot see enough to obtain a driver's licence yet do not
qualify to be registered blind and obtain the Free Travel Pass so they have
to incur additional expenses to avail of public transport or taxis. This
inequity can be removed in Budget 2020 to include those with a long-term eye
condition that renders their level of vision insufficient to obtain a
driver's licence."
Separately, funding for assistive technology allocated by the HSE is
fragmented and uncoordinated. As a result, many people who are blind &
vision impaired are unable to afford the upfront costs of essential
assistive technology and have to go without meaning they are both
economically and socially disadvantaged.
NCBI advocate Aoife Watson said "There needs to be fair & equal access to
assistive technology for all people who are blind & vision impaired across
the country, regardless of where the person lives. At the moment it is a
post code lottery!
"Currently, the HSE does not fund smartphones under the Technical Aids
Grant, despite smartphones being often the most accessible for a person with
sight loss and the developments in technology such as the Siri intelligent
assistance tool, built in screen reader (Voice Over) and screen
magnification are indispensable. Ironically if they moved to fund these
devices it could result in savings as the assistive technology comes as
standard rather than having to be a separate purchase."
Budget 2020 is the opportunity to demonstrate the Government's commitment to
accessibility & inclusion across all areas of society. It is imperative key
investments in schemes, services and supports are made to ensure people who
are blind or vision impaired are given the same opportunities as sighted
people.
