Joseph Faulkner is a man on a mission, to raise funds for a sensory room at Ability West’s Greenview facility on Snipe Rd, Newcastle and to shine a light on the daily challenges he faces navigating Galway as a visually impaired person.
“I have a fire in my heart to fight for those who have no voice,” says Faulkner, ahead of his 5km fundraising walk taking place this morning (Thursday ). His goal: support his fellow Ability West service users and expose the deteriorating state of Galway’s footpaths and pedestrian routes.
Visually impaired since age 19 due to a rare genetic condition, Faulkner says adapting took time, but he’s since turned his experience into advocacy. In 2021, he joined Ability West’s Advocacy Council and has been pushing for change ever since.
“I walk every day with my cane, navigating footpaths cluttered with poles or broken kerbs. A few months ago, I told the manager and Georgia [Maghey] that I wanted to do something. I didn’t just want to raise money, I wanted to send a message: Galway’s footpaths are a nightmare.”
Raising awareness and funds
With support from Georgia Maghey, an Ability West staff member, Faulkner conducted a case study on pedestrian access for people with disabilities. The report identifies dangerous areas near Greenview in Newcastle, particularly the Browne Roundabout (near University Hospital Galway ), Seamus Quirke Road, and Lower Newcastle Road, highlighting crumbling kerbs, uneven paths, and obstructive signage. It also raises concerns about the lack of pedestrian crossings and the impact of nearby developments on already hazardous crossings.
“Joseph is incredibly selfless,” said Maghey. “He’s always advocating for others, especially those with limited understanding of road safety. These conditions put them at serious risk.”
The event, titled Walk with Joseph, begins at 10am in Tirellan Heights and ends at Greenview around noon. The 5km route passes eight Ability West day centres, spotlighting the everyday struggles of people with disabilities in navigating local streets.
Creating a more inclusive society
"Joseph and I are hoping this event will do more than raise funds," said Maghey. "We hope this walk will demonstrate the everyday challenges faced by people with disabilities and highlight areas within our local community which need to be improved to become more accessible for people with disabilities, ultimately creating a more inclusive society."
Faulkner and Maghey also urge residents to be part of the solution. “Parking on footpaths creates major obstacles,” said Maghey. “It might seem harmless, but for someone with a visual impairment, a familiar route suddenly blocked by a car can be dangerous.”
In a show of solidarity, fellow service users at Greenview have written a song for the event. Its chorus reads:
“Walk with Joseph, walk for change,
Clear the path and break these chains.”
To learn more or donate, visit iDonate.ie and search Walk with Joseph.
