Further work on our campaign to influence politicians regarding the proposed changes from DLA to PIP saw a visit from Tom Copley an Assembly Member of the Greater London Authority.
First, Tom visited RNIB's Resource Centre at Judd Street to see for himself the varied equipment that blind and partially sighted people use to maintain their independence. He learnt that DLA payments are vital to financing the purchase and maintenance of this equipment, which is a necessity for people living with sight loss.
He then agreed to take a walk wearing a pair of glasses, which gave him an idea of what it would be like to have an eye condition. This walk highlighted to Tom the challenges that blind and partially sighted people face navigating busy and cluttered pavements in some areas of London.
Furthermore, it soon became clear to him that there is no such thing as a 'familiar route' which the Government are currently claiming as justification for reducing/removing the mobility component of DLA from some blind recipients.