Laois students identify obstacles for people with disabilities at Portlaoise park

Students from Portlaoise College took part in an exercise to identify obstacles facing people with disabilities in the People's Park in the town.

Portlaoise College's 2C class took part in the event which was held as part of Make Way Day, organised in collaboration with the Disability Federation of Ireland and Laois County Council.

Make Way Day is a national initiative designed to foster understanding and cooperation between disabled individuals and the broader community, encouraging everyone to be mindful of the needs of people with disabilities in shared public spaces. CONTINUE READING BELOW PHOTO

"During their visit to People’s Park, the students identified various obstacles, including: Cars and Vans on Footpaths: These block pedestrian access, forcing people to walk on the road. Chained Bicycles and Motorbikes: These create trip hazards, especially for visually impaired individuals and Obstructive Street Furniture: Items like illegally placed sandwich boards, unattended bins, and barrels clutter pathways, said a spokesperson for the school. CONTINUE READING BELOW PHOTO

The students walked through the park, assessing which features are effective and identifying areas where accessibility could be improved in public leisure spaces. This hands-on experience aimed to sensitise them to the daily challenges faced by people with disabilities and highlighted the importance of creating inclusive public environments.

"The initiative proved to be a valuable learning experience, sparking thoughtful discussions on how communities can better accommodate the needs of all residents," added the spokesperson.