V.I. student prompted to launch a campaign encouraging folk to ask before assisting people with disabilities

Most people you see navigating the world with a white cane or a guide dog have undergone extensive mobility training. They are often experts at navigating their local routes, using their skills to move through busy streets with confidence and independence. Sometimes, a kind-hearted passerby might step in to help without realising that an unexpected touch can be startling. Imagine the experience of being pulled by someone you cannot see. Without a quick 'would you like some help?', a gesture meant to be supportive can unfortunately feel overwhelming or even frightening.
This loss of basic communication and respect for personal space has prompted Rowan Todd to take action. Read Rowan's story here:

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A former RNC student who has ‘lost count’ of the times people have grabbed her and marched her across a road since her move to London has launched a campaign to highlight the lack of education about people with disabilities.

Rowan Todd, who is currently studying to be social worker at University of Greenwich, has raised a petition calling for compulsory education in schools on disability awareness. She said:

'It’s happened quite a few times people just grab my elbow and drag me across the road. Sometimes people ask. There is a real stigma around disabilities among the general population. People worry they are offending me.'

Now Rowan aims to implement high levels of education within the national curriculum about different disabilities, their impact and how to support people with these impairments. She said:

'When I moved to a city, I knew I would come face-to-face with different individuals from all walks of life. However, one thing I was not prepared for was a severe lack of education about vision impairment and their impact on individuals.'

Rowan, who spent three years at RNC in Hereford, added:

'Because of my relationship with my disability I can say there is a feeling of the unknown around disability.

'Society just brushes over it and there’s a real stigma around disability. I was very much encouraged but others aren’t because of societal expectations.

'My next step is to raise awareness among the wider community.'

A spokesperson for RNC said:

'Rowan is a great advocate for herself and others and we are proud to support her efforts. Vision impairment, in particular, is a low incidence condition which is poorly understood. This can only be tackled through education and increased awareness.'

To support Rowan’s campaign and sign the petition please click here.