Guide Dogs charity's mobile sensory unit at First Bus depot in Leeds

By The Newsroom
Published 9th Oct 2018, 19:25 BST
Updated 10th Oct 2018, 11:13 BST
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BUS drivers in Leeds had the chance to experience what it's like to be blind or partially sighted as part of a Guide Dogs charity initiative.

Representatives from Guide Dogs visited the First Leeds bus depot in Hunslet Park yesterday with a special mobile sensory unit.

The sensory unit aims to give people with normal vision the perspective of what it’s like to be blind or partially sighted.

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As the bus drivers walked through the unit they experienced different noises, textures and obstacles both on the walls and underfoot.

Date:9th October 2018. Picture James Hardisty. First Bus Leeds, at their Goodman Street, Leeds, depot had a visit by the Guide Dogs sensory unit which aims to give people with normal vision the perspective of what itâ¬"s like to be blind or partially sighted. As drivers walk through wearing a mask they will experience different noises, textures and obstacles, in a pitch black tunnel which will alter the senses used in everyday life. Pictured Debbie Linford, Guide Dogs, Community Engagement Officer, working with Paul Atkinson, Staff Manager at First Bus Leeds.Date:9th October 2018. Picture James Hardisty. First Bus Leeds, at their Goodman Street, Leeds, depot had a visit by the Guide Dogs sensory unit which aims to give people with normal vision the perspective of what itâ¬"s like to be blind or partially sighted. As drivers walk through wearing a mask they will experience different noises, textures and obstacles, in a pitch black tunnel which will alter the senses used in everyday life. Pictured Debbie Linford, Guide Dogs, Community Engagement Officer, working with Paul Atkinson, Staff Manager at First Bus Leeds.
Date:9th October 2018. Picture James Hardisty. First Bus Leeds, at their Goodman Street, Leeds, depot had a visit by the Guide Dogs sensory unit which aims to give people with normal vision the perspective of what itâ¬"s like to be blind or partially sighted. As drivers walk through wearing a mask they will experience different noises, textures and obstacles, in a pitch black tunnel which will alter the senses used in everyday life. Pictured Debbie Linford, Guide Dogs, Community Engagement Officer, working with Paul Atkinson, Staff Manager at First Bus Leeds.

They walked through a pitch black tunnel, which alters the senses used in everyday life to give a small glimpse of what daily struggles visually impaired people face.

This weeks is Guide Dog week and the charity invited First Bus drivers to experience the sensory unit as part of its annual celebrations.

Richard Tandy, operations manager at First Leeds, said: “At First Bus we want to keep improving accessibility for all our customers.