The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Sightless they may be, but do not lack vision, potential

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Monday, Jan 05, 2009
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Sightless they may be, but do not lack vision, potential

Staff Reporter

Seminar discusses ways to cope with visual impairment

Visually challenged persons given Braille watches
‘Rs. 200 crore spent annually on welfare’

BANGALORE: “Louis Braille was a man with no sight, but a lot of vision. None of us would have been here had it not been for him,” said Paul Mudda, founder and managing trustee of Snehadeep Trust for the Disabled.

The trust, on the occasion of the Bicentenary Year of Louis Braille, and the International Day of Persons with Disability, organised a seminar on “Level of mobility required by the visually challenged to orient the current infrastructure,” here on Saturday. The trust was established by three visually-challenged graduates, including Mr. Mudda, K.G. Mohan and Sreeman B.G., with the intention of empowering such people with life skills.

The seminar was organised to discuss the origin and scope of Orientation and Mobility (O and M), how appropriate is O and M for people with low vision, possible modifications in O and M techniques in the current scenario for easy and free movement, compact canes and their accessibility, as well as the latest electronic devices such as a way finder, loadstone and electronic canes.

“We want to ensure a free passage for the youth. There should be no boundaries as far as service is concerned,” Mr. Mohan said.

R.P. Sharma, Inspector-General of Police, Human Rights, Karnataka, said the abilities of an individual were not determined by physical deformities. “All physically challenged people are not disabled. We might have attained Independence in 1947, but our society still has a very narrow outlook and does not accept or even recognise the physically challenged. We will prosper only when equal opportunities are given to persons with disabilities. There are legislations, but we need to have more to protect such people,” he said.

He promised those who had gathered on the occasion that he would do his best to help persons with disabilities. “There are no friendly transport facilities, traffic junctions or single motor vehicles on a commercial basis available for such people, especially the visually challenged,” he regretted.

Shivananjappa, Director of Disabilities, said, “The Government spends about Rs. 200 crore every year to help persons with disabilities. But, if they are given more help and support, they can achieve a lot more.”

Babu Rangaswamy, a participant, said, “Such people might be lacking in a specific faculty, but have others that can be much more rewarding of nurtured. No one at this place is looking for sympathy. What all these people need is only understanding and guidance.”

A few visually challenged participants were given Braille watches by Titan, while Rotary Club provided them with canes.

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