KABUL (Pajhwok): Some blind persons have demanded more support from the acting government and international organisations in addressing the problems they have been facing.
Visually impaired persons have raised the demand during a gathering organized by the Blind Welfare and Prosperity Organization on the occasion of the World Braille Day.
Mohammad Ehsan Fayaz, head of the Blind Welfare Organisationi, said this organization is the continuation of the Afghanistan Blinds Association and currently has 3,000 members and served blind persons in different areas like economic, education, vocational training, awareness and social services.
He said the past and currently governments did not provide support to blind persons adding that over the years members of this orgnaisation strived to keep this organization floating despite challenges.
He said the lack of a proper building for their organization was a big challenge adding that currently they were functioning at a temporary place in Qowae Markaz area of Kabul.
They asked the ‘Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’ to accommodate the Blinds Vocational Institute and Blinds School in Kabul and provinces. In addition they asked they National Examination Authority to arrange exam papers in braille.
They also asked the representatives of the United Nations and other international institutions not to forget the blind people in these difficult days and to fulfill their humanitarian duty by supporting NGOs and domestic institutions through short and medium-term projects.
Eng. Gul Mohammad Faizi, head of the Roshandalan Institute, said that after the takeover of the IEA some steps had been taken to facilitate blind persons.
He added blind persons had been offered learning opportunities in the Department of General Education and Islamic and Professional Institution from class one to 12th.
Faizi assured that the IEA will pay attention to the resolution passed in this gathering and will take steps to address the issue.
Every year on January 4th, World Braille Day reminds us of the importance of accessibility and independence for those who are blind or visually impaired.
About 36 million people around the world are blind. By 2050, the number of people diagnosed with blindness is predicted to rise to 115 million. Those who are blind or who have severe vision impairments face many challenges in life. Some of these challenges include navigating new environments, using a computer, handling cash, and arranging clothes.
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