Access Expand London Vision’s engagement work in this area is driven by contributions from blind and partially sighted people. If you are experiencing access issue in London that is not specifically related to health or transport – such as accessing venues, services, technology and information – get in touch. We can either sign post you to the relevant organisation that actively campaigns in these areas, or we may be able to assist you in advocating for a positive outcome. Taxi Card London Vision is working with London Councils and City Fleet to improve the accessibility of booking, using and applying for a Taxi Card service using both the app and the its website. This consultation work is ongoing, though COVID has necessitated a pause in some of the work. London Vision recently held a consultation around the proposed move online of the application process for the Freedom Pass and Taxi Card. London Vision consulted blind and partially sighted people about this move, and fed the responses back to London Councils.
Health Expand London Vision works with others in the sector to influence positive change in the health sector in London. London Vision maintains good relationships Trusts such as Moorfields Eye Hospital, Whipps Cross and others, and is frequently consulted around changes and improvements in, especially around redevelopment of sites. Moorfields Eye Hospital: Bhavini Makwana represents London Vison on the Moorfields ORIEL Advisory Group panel as well as the Partners Forum, consulting on the project to move Moorfields Eye Hospital to the new site. London Vision has a hosted a number of consultations on the ORIEL project, ensuring that the needs and views of blind and partially sighted patients are represented. Bhavini also sits on Moorfields Eye Hospital’s Sight Loss Awareness group. As part of this group she champions patient experiences and accessible communication. In collaboration with this group, Bhavini produced the EYES strategy, to encourage patient-first communication. Find the EYES mnemonic below. Whipps Cross Hospital: London Vision has consulted with blind and partially sighted patients on behalf of Whipps Cross Hospital, to ensure that their needs and views are taken into account as part of the redevelopment of the site. London Vision has hosted a number of consultations about the redevelopment, ensuring that the needs and views of blind and partially sighted patients are represented.
Transport Expand London Vision works with others in the sector to influence positive change in the capital to move closer to an accessible and inclusive capital. London Vision maintains good relationships with the Department for Transport, Transport for London and local authorities, and is frequently consulted around changes and improvements in transport provision. E Scooters: Much of London Vision’s campaigning and engagement work in 2020 focussed on e scooters. Over the past year, London Vision has engaged with and responded to government consultations on the subject to produce key asks for e-scooter rental companies and for the local authorities planning on introducing them. Our work on e-scooters is ongoing. You can read a number of these responses below: Read London Vision’s response to TfL’s announcement about introducing e-scooter trials in spring 2021 (18 November 2020) Advice for e-scooter operators participating in rental e-scooter trials (24 July 2020) Advice for local authorities considering hosting e-scooter trials (24 July 2020) Read London Vision's response to the Department for Transport’s consultation on e-scooters (3 July 2020) Cashless journeys In 2020, Transport for London began exploring becoming totally cashless across London's transport network. In December 2020, London Vision consulted with blind and partially sighted Londoners that use the network, as well Eye Clinic Liaison Officers, Rehab Officers, representatives of sight loss organisations in the capital and members of local sensory teams to gather feedback and opinion on the proposed changes. The consultation made plain that many blind and partially sighted Londoners had grave concerns about the move, and the impact it would have on disabled and elderly traveller, as well as Londoners who do not have a bank account. As of 20 January 2021, the move has been paused, however, if you feel you will be impacted by this move, please do get in touch with Bhavini Makwana on [email protected] You can read the response to the pause below: Cashless journeys on the TfL network: London Vision's response (22 January 2021)