Background

It has been 20 years since guide dogs for the visually impaired are introduced in Korea. However, they are still not welcomed up to now. Even though there will be legal responsibility for refusing to allow guide dogs without justifiable reasons, restaurant/cafe/taxi and other public spaces restrict access to guide dogs because other customers may not like it. Korea Blind Union and Korea Assistance Dog Association conducted a "Welcome Block" campaign to improve false social awareness of allowing guide dogs and expand the scope of life for the visually impaired.

Describe the creative idea (40% of vote)

We designed Welcome Block to create a social culture that welcomes guide dogs. This 3D design borrowed from braille blocks to assist the visually impaired, which also allows them to be assembled and installed as a single block. It's made to be easy to install just like a welcome mat at the store entrance, which increases the rate of stores participating in this campaign.

Describe the execution (40% of vote)

We designed Welcome Block to create a social culture that welcomes guide dogs. This 3D design borrowed from braille blocks to assist the visually impaired, which also allows them to be assembled and installed as a single block. It's made to be easy to install just like a welcome mat at the store entrance, which increases the rate of stores participating in this campaign.

List the results (20% of vote)

The Welcome Block that was selectively installed in restaurants and cafes at 23 places, drew positive attention to society. Non-disabled people who encountered the Welcome Block uploaded it on social media and provided an opportunity to raise the social awareness of allowing guide dogs. Also, the visually impaired felt the change of the reactions surrounding them when visiting restaurants with a guide dog. In addition, Welcome Block plans to expand the campaign in collaboration with Seongdong-gu Office.