Guide Dogs at the Castle
Date published:
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has visited Carrickfergus Castle with Guide Dogs NI to highlight work to increase Inclusion and Access at our State Care Monuments.
The session showcased how Guide Dogs NI help people living with sight loss live actively, independently and well.
The Minister said:
“When someone loses their sight, Guide Dogs NI helps to ensure that they do not lose their independence or freedom. Through a collaborative partnership between Guide Dogs NI and my Department I am really pleased that we are focusing on improving accessibility and implementing reasonable adjustments wherever possible, while recognising the constraints inherent in managing protected heritage sites.
“Through this partnership, Guide Dogs NI has delivered sighted guide training to staff at Carrickfergus Castle and Dunluce Castle. And, in return, my Department has facilitated visits by Guide Dogs NI to State Care Monuments to support the socialisation of trainee guide dogs.
“This collaboration supports future independent visits by blind and partially sighted people and contributes to improving access to the built environment, as well as to cultural and leisure activities on an equal basis—two key outcomes identified within the draft Northern Ireland Disability Strategy 2025-35.''
During the visit, the Minister participated in condensed sighted guiding activities to better understand the everyday challenges faced by individuals with visual impairments. He also met guide dog owners and puppy raisers, seeing first-hand how puppies in training benefit from exposure to a wide range of environments, including unique and historic locations such as Carrickfergus Castle.
Paula McLarnon, Sighted Guide Training Officer said:
“We're aware that many of our historic buildings can't be adapted to be fully accessible, given their age and cultural significance. That is where our free sighted guiding training offer comes in to give staff the confidence and skills to best support visitors with visual impairments.
“We’re delighted that the Minister and the teams at these landmark venues have embraced the training ensuring a more welcoming environment for all. We’re excited to work with the team again to welcome our puppies and future life-changers as an important part of their training.”
Notes to editors:
- PHOTO CAPTION: photo 4 – Communities Minister Gordon Lyons chats with Linda and her ambassador dog Parker at Carrickfergus Castle where Departmental officials have been working with Guide Dogs to make our monuments more accessible.
- Guide Dogs NI carried out three Sighted Guide Training sessions to staff from Dunluce and Carrickfergus Castles which equipped staff with the understanding and practical skills to provide appropriate support to visitors with visual impairments.
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