DUO OFFICIALLY OPEN NEW DEAFBLIND SCOTLAND SENSORY PATH AT LENZIE
Local MSP Rona Mackay teamed up with funny man Gavin Mitchell of Still Game fame recently to officially open a new sensory path at Lenzie, Kirkintilloch, to support deafblind people.
People with dual sensory loss will now be able to independently navigate a path at the Deafblind Scotland Learning and Development Centre. The path is believed to be the first of its kind in Scotland.
Gavin, who played Boaby the barman in the hit BBC Scotland comedy series, said he was honoured to cut the ribbon at the opening event with Ms Mackay, and added: “Here’s to raising and expanding awareness.”
Strathkelvin and Bearsden MSP Ms Mackay said: “This is a wonderful inclusive self-navigating space for deafblind people. These types of spaces are so important.
“Deafblind Scotland are a wonderful organisation based in my constituency and must be applauded for their tireless work in supporting people with sensory loss.”
Isabella Goldie CEO of Deafblind Scotland said that for most people, the ability to freely enjoy outdoor space was taken for granted.
She added: “For deafblind people, a walk along outside can be fraught with risk.
“With the support of national charity the Wolfson Foundation and the fundraising efforts of our deafblind community we have been able to build a path that deafblind people can navigate independently for the first time.
“This shows what is possible and how we can create neighbourhoods and communities that are inclusive for all".
Issy McGrath who is herself deafblind and the chair of Deafblind Scotland added: "This self-navigating path across our land is the blueprint for what can be achieved.
“Disabled people and people with sensory loss should be engaged at the start of planning processes, not the end.
“Deafblind people were at the centre of designing this path and it shows in the end result.
“Having this path that I can walk along on my own means so much to me as a deafblind person.”
The Wolfson Foundation is a UK registered charity and awards grants to support excellence in the fields of health, education, science and art.
For more on Deafblind Scotland, visit https://www.dbscotland.org.uk/