From barriers to solutions: lived experience influences urban planning
A guided simulation walk led by North London Sight Loss Council (SLC) has given Islington Council highways engineers a powerful insight into the everyday barriers blind and partially sighted (BPS) people face when navigating our streets. The event also prompted discussions on how to address and remove obstacles during the design process.
The session built on work advocating these issues by Emmanuel, North London SLC member and Islington resident, who has long championed a more accessible and inclusive borough. It provided the Islington Council staff team with a hands-on understanding of how street design and public spaces can create barriers. And, importantly, how thoughtful planning and design can remove them.
Sharing our lived experiences
Emmanuel, North London SLC member, said:
“The participants seemed surprised with how many barriers exist. Going forward, they said they feel a renewed duty to reflect before implementing new plans, keeping inclusive improvements in mind.
“I am very pleased that the council were so receptive, and I look forward to further collaborations with them.”
Liam O’Carroll, Interim Engagement Manager for London SLCs, added:
“It was great to meet the engineering team at Islington council. We were delighted to share our experiences of moving through town centres and it gave the engineers the chance to witness the barriers blind and partially sighted people encounter when navigating the local area.
“It was a positive walk and we look forward to continuing the conversation in the new year.”
Liam O’Carroll, discussing the long cane, in a meeting room
Insights from Islington Council staff
Islington Council staff described the walk as insightful, thought-provoking, educational, and motivating – a meaningful experience that offered engineers and planners a chance to step into the shoes of blind and partially sighted residents.
The council team also valued the opportunity. Barbara Tanska, Inclusive Design Officer, said:
“It was fantastic to spend a half day with Liam, Emmanuel and Paul from North London Sight Loss Council. Our highways engineers team had a chance to hear first-hand experiences of barriers blind and partially sighted people face, designed into the built environment – and, more importantly, discuss how to design them out. Recognising the pressing need for informing designs by lived experience, we were very grateful to welcome TPT in the borough. We look forward to working together in the future.”
Fiona Horgan, Head of Service – Lighting and Traffic Engineering, added:
“The discussions will undoubtedly influence how we approach future projects, and the team will continue to embed this thinking into our peer review process to make our streets and spaces more accessible.”
The sim-spec walk is part of London Sight Loss Councils’ wider push for inclusive street design. By working together, SLC members and boroughs across the capital can create streets where everyone moves confidently and safely. Accessibility is placed at the heart of all planning and decision-making.
North London Sight Loss Council would like to thank Islington Council for taking part in the walk and are encouraged by the council’s engagement. We look forward to continuing our work together to make public spaces safer and more accessible for everyone.
Learn more about our Streets for All campaign
Would you like to join North London Sight Loss Council?
Are you blind or partially sighted, or know someone who is? Do you want to make a difference and drive meaningful change? North London SLC is currently recruiting new volunteer members from across North London.
Publication date: 08 December 2025