Laura Maclean and Tom Forsyth with their Ramble Tag invention image

Two neighbours and innovators are among the first in the running for an award that recognises inventions that transform the lives of people living with disabilities.

Laura Maclean and Tom Forsyth have entered their creation, the Ramble Tag, into the Blackwood Design Awards (BDAs) as it helps to overcome the logistical and social issues involved in guiding somebody who is visually impaired.

The Glasgow pair have designed a lightweight upper-arm harness with a handle so that a person can wear it to guide someone visually impaired instead of linking arms.

Tom said: ā€œFor a visually impaired person, it can be awkward linking arms or holding hands with someone who is guiding you ā€“ especially if you donā€™t know them very well.

ā€œIt can feel uncomfortable and can be a reason why many opt out of experiences like sport or travelling, for example.

ā€œBut with the Ramble Tag, you can have so much more independence and greater mobility, too as it takes away the danger of miss-footed stumbles leading to a two person pileup.ā€

The Ramble Tag is already being used in major UK airports such as Bristol and Glasgow airport.

Tom, who has been without sight for over 20 years, came up with the design with his friend Laura when they were out walking their dogs together.

Ramble Tag image

Laura said: ā€œLinking arms with someone who is visually impaired can be clumsy and frustrating, so Ramble Tag provides a simple, effective solution that gives people a sense of confidence and more freedom.

ā€œWeā€™re so excited with the interest and momentum that the Ramble Tag has gained since weā€™ve started telling people about it.ā€

Now in their sixth year, the BDAs are run by housing and care provider Blackwood and seek out the brightest and best new inventions as part of its mission to ensure that those with disabilities can live life to the fullest.

The awards are judged in three distinct categories: Best New Concept, Best Collaborative Project by a University or Institute of Higher Learning and Best New Product.

Max Brown, Chair of Blackwood Board, said: ā€œThe Ramble Tag is a simple, yet ingenious example of an innovative idea that been created as a solution to improving day to day life.

ā€œIt just goes to show that a basic design, without all the bells and whistles of modern day technology, has the potential to change lives.

ā€œThis is the sort of design that the BDAs celebrate ā€“ something that makes you think ā€˜Why hasnā€™t someone done this before?ā€™ā€

A panel of top engineers, designers and world-renowned thinkers will judge the Blackwood Design Awards 2019.

Previous designs that have won the esteemed title include a wheelchair that allows users to control its direction with their eyes, and the ā€˜Sā€™up Spoonā€™ ā€“ a self-stabilising piece of cutlery which enables users with shaky hands to eat without spilling their food.

The deadline for entries into the BDAs is Friday 12th of April and entrants can contact bespoken@blackwoodgroup.org.uk for full details on how to enter.

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