AXSChat Podcast with Laura MCLEAN & Tom FORSYTH from The Ramble Tag

Hosted by António Vieira Santos, Debra Ruh and Neil Milliken.

The Ramble Tag was invented and designed by two friends and neighbours – Laura 39yrs and Tom 65 yrs, Tom himself is blind.

Both Laura and Tom have creative backgrounds and a love for dogs.

Tom and Laura

Tom lost his sight gradually over a period of 20 years through Type 1 diabetes, so Laura would help walk him walk his dog when needed, acting as his guide when his partner wasn’t around.  They soon became great friends, shared laughs, ideas and inspired each other to go into business after their best spark of an idea, a loop on the arm to give more space and to be more secure… (their dogs pulling them apart gave them the idea)

A year from start-up, which was Kickstarted (crowdfunded), the Ramble Tag became a finalist in the RNIB Innovation of the Year awards 2019 and is also being sold by the RNIB shop.  It was snapped up by Glasgow airport promptly and then other UK airports followed.

They soon recognized its potential as more than just a daily guiding tool to be used with a friend, it could be used by various assistance staff while respecting physical boundaries, alleviate repetitive strain, improve comfort, give more independence to the likes of teenagers with their parents and many other practicalities.

They daydream the day that the Ramble Tag is as known as well as the white cane.  It’s another option, a choice, and choice equals inclusion.

#axschat Twitter Chat - March 3rd

9 pm Berlin

8 pm London

3 pm NYC