Tour takes off

By Madeline Prince
A RESTAURANT tour in Dandenong for vision-impaired people has been gaining popularity and will be held again in March and May.
Since December, Vision Australia and Dandenong City Council have toured vision-impaired people, at a subsidised rate, around Dandenong restaurants so they can sample the city’s cultural foods.
The next tour will take place on 25 March and 13 May and will include restaurants such as Pamir, an Afghani restaurant and Payal, an Indian restaurant.
Vision Australia has worked with restaurant staff in explaining the specific needs of vision impaired people, as well as laws relating to guide dogs on food premises.
Vision Australia Dandenong manager Sandi Mackevicius said the tours have been “fantastic” and gave the vision-impaired a “passport to Dandenong” as each tour member received a book either in large print or braille that described the restaurants.
“The clients gain confidence through the tour and book which means they can come back with their families,” she said.
Ms Mackevicius said the tours had been so popular that there was a waiting list for the lunchtime tours.
The first tour was held in December to celebrate International Day for People with Disabilities.
Lunch costs $5 and includes refreshments. For more information contact Vision Australia on 1300 847 466 and ask for Dandenong.