VIDEO: Ian Austin tries life as a blind person as he carefully walks the streets of Dudley
Carefully navigating the streets, Dudley North MP Ian Austin dons a blindfold as he experiences everyday life as a blind person in the town centre.
Mr Austin was led by a guide dog as he navigated the twists and turns in an effort to raise awareness of the issues blind people face.
He has just joined the Eye Health and Visual Impairment All-Party Parliamentary Group works to inform MPs about treatment and support for people suffering from sight loss and blindness.
Mr Austin took part in a blind dog walk around the town led by Natalie the Labrador in a bid to highlight the challenges faced by blind and partially sighted people.
The MP has joined the group to help promote the Beacon Centre for the Blind in Sedgley that provides specialist services and support for people with visual impairment.
Mr Austin has previously backed campaigns by national charity Guide Dogs to improve blind people's access to support and services.
He said: "I'm delighted to join this new group to raise issues facing people with sight loss and blindness in Parliament.
"The Beacon Centre for the Blind does brilliant work here in Dudley, so I will be working to promote them and speak up for local blind people."
Stourbridge MP Margot James also took part in a blindfolded dog walk to highlight the experiences a partially or fully blind person would have walking around the town.
The walk took place in Oldswinford Cross, where Ms James was guided around by guide dog Natalie and her trainers.
At first, Ms James walked with the use of a cane and glasses that impaired her vision. She was then asked to walk with Natalie using a blindfold.
She said: "I was shocked at how different the experience made me feel.
"I have come away with an entirely new perspective on the needs of blind pedestrians, and will be using this knowledge in the future when addressing the needs of local people."
