It’s Make Way Day, the date when accessibility issues are highlighted.
Typically people post photos online showing various obstacles that may prevent travel on paths and roads as part of the national campaign led by Disability Federation of Ireland. (More here).
Carlow County Council has a gathering this morning to mark the date with Cathaoirleach Ken Murnane and Padraig O’Gorman joined by representatives from the Public Participation Network, the Council’s community team, and the Centre for Independent Living.
Some in Kilkenny are set to gather from 1o’clock at MacDonagh Junction’s empty lift shaft which was built 18 years ago but never worked, in a bid to see that moved on.
Blind disability advocate and content creator Bobbie Hickey stressed that Make Way Day is a simple but crucial ask. She says; “I never want to be seen as complaining and adding to the noise, but I would love if people paid more attention to the branches and the general path area outside their house. It’s something that is so easy and doesn’t take any time at all, but it makes such a difference. Spending all this time getting ready in the morning, walking into work only to get hit in the face with a branch is so frustrating”.
DFI CEO Elaine Teague said that this is not about blame. It’s about recognising that public space is for everyone, noting; “This is not about pointing fingers. Most people who park on a footpath, leave a bin in the wrong spot, or let a hedge overgrow are not doing so deliberately. It simply hasn’t occurred to them that it might cause a serious problem for someone else”. She adds; “The campaign is about raising awareness of the unconscious, everyday behaviours that impact the lives of disabled people, and asking all of us to take a moment to consider whether our actions get in someone’s way.”
