Supporting the blind through rule changes

Nov 12 2008 by Craig Robertson, Dumfries Standard Wednesday

LOCAL MP Russell Brown is leading a Parliamentary campaign, which includes former cabinet minister David Blunkett, to give extra support for blind and partially-sighted people through a change to benefits rules.

The Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) has been campaigning for more than two years to get the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) extended to people with serious sight loss.

The higher rate of DLA – worth £46.75 per week – is focused on those who are unable to walk or who cannot walk to their intended destination outdoors without assistance.

People with severe sight loss are presently only eligible for the lower rate worth just £17.75 per week.

Like the RNIB, Russell Brown believes blind and partially-sighted people, who face some of the most serious barriers to independent mobility, should be eligible for this increased weekly benefit.

He got involved in the campaign after meeting with constituents in Dumfries and Galloway who believe their life could be transformed through extending eligibility for higher rate DLA, by opening up opportunities for them to work and access social and leisure activities.

Mr Brown said: “DLA is supposed to help people who have serious difficulties getting out safely and independently.

“Blind and partially-sighted people face some of the greatest difficulties moving around independently in the external environment.

“Even with the aid of a white cane or a guide dog, the streets are a hostile and potentially dangerous place.

“A journey can include crossing busy roads, navigating pavement and road works, avoiding street furniture and dodging cyclists and cars parked on the pavement.

“All of these barriers to independent mobility are familiar to blind people.”

He added: “It is hardly surprising, given the difficulty and stress of moving around independently, that many people with sight loss severely limit their external journeys and by implication their opportunities to work and take part in social and leisure activities.

“That’s why I believe it is absolute common sense that the higher rate mobility component of DLA should be available to people with serious sight loss.”