Cllr Janet Finch-Saunders AM this week attended an event in the Senedd hosted by Guide Dogs Cymru.

The event fell during Guide Dogs Week – celebrating 80 years since the first guide dogs partnership qualified in the UK.

The event was held to promote the Talking Buses Campaign which is pushing for a change in the law to make audio and visual information available on bus and coach services across the UK.

Janet said: “Buses provide a valuable service to many across Wales and enable blind or partially-sighted people to live more independently. Audible announcements detailing the current stop, next stop and final destination would enhance these services greatly and really offer much more freedom and reassurance to those who suffer from sight problems.

“I am arranging to meet with representatives from Arriva Trains and Buses in North Wales to discuss the role out of audible announcements on board their vehicles. I truly believe this is an invaluable service – there are many people in my constituency who could benefit from it. There are also huge potential benefits for tourism if North Wales were to become more accessible to more people. Using public transport when you are on holiday is a stress for most people, but this must be very much increased for those who are blind or partially-sighted.”

Janet also had the chance to meet guide dogs and watch a working guide dog demonstration. She also signed up to take part in one of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association’s ‘Walk a Mile’ events. This is a series of awareness raising events which highlight the difficulties faced by blind and partially sighted people in getting around independently. Janet will ‘Walk a Mile’ with a sense-deprivation mask which blocks out all light with the aid of a guide dog and cane. Details to follow in due course.