A couple are calling for more support for blind people in Guernsey

In 2023, the first phase of Guernsey’s anti-discrimination legislation was introduced, protecting people from discrimination based on disability, carer status, race, religion and belief, and sexual orientation.

The States of Guernsey said they are constantly reviewing their policies to ensure they are best practice and compliant.

A joint statement from the Health and Social Care and Employment and Social Care committees said: “In the UK, some local authorities may maintain voluntary registers of people with disabilities in their areas.

“These voluntary registers are used by local authorities to plan future services.

“There is no statutory requirement for such a register in Guernsey and no such register exists.

“This does not mean that visual impairment is not recognized as a disability in local legislation.

“It can be a disability under the Prevention of Discrimination Act if it’s a long-term impairment.”

The statement added that a person may have a visual impairment, which is considered a disability under the Prevention of Discrimination Ordinance, but not be eligible for certain benefits and services.

That said financial support, externalsuch as sickness benefit, severe disability benefit and income support may be available on a case-by-case basis.

Chantel Tucker, vision support specialist at Guernsey Association for the Blind, externalsaid: “Visual impairment is something that is wrong with the sight, but the disability aspect is something that prevents you from doing, and it can affect each person completely differently.”