A Ballymoney man completed a walk from Belfast City Hall to Stormont on Tuesday to highlight barriers faced by people with sight loss. Alex Patterson was accompanied by his guide dog Angus and daughter Jana.

Patterson said the walk aimed to draw attention to two issues: funding for guide dog training and access refusals for guide dog owners. He stated that the waiting list for a guide dog is currently three years and training costs about £75,000 over the first two years of a dog's life.

According to Patterson, around 90% of guide dog owners experience access refusal at some point. He said he has been turned away from restaurants because of Angus, despite the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 requiring service providers to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people, including accommodating guide dogs.

Patterson said access refusals can damage confidence and leave people reluctant to go out. He said he often phones restaurants ahead to check if Angus will be welcome, and that people should not have to plan their day around such worries.

Alliance North Antrim MLA Sian Mulholland, who joined the walk, said she has raised Patterson's experiences in the Northern Ireland Assembly. She said having the confidence to go about daily life and take part in the community should not be something people with sight loss have to fight for.

Mulholland said practical changes and greater public awareness are needed alongside respect for people's rights. She also thanked Jana for accompanying her father and recognised the role Angus plays in Patterson's daily life.

The walk brought attention to difficulties that can affect people with sight loss when leaving home, including navigating pavements and entering businesses. Patterson's campaign highlights that accessibility involves not only physical obstacles but also the right to travel independently and participate in community life without fear of being turned away.