Millions of people in the world are blind or visually impaired. Sometimes it is difficult for these to achieve an independant living. Transport, education, work- all is affected by the fact that a person does not see well. There is a lot that can be done to help, though.
Fortunately, a lot of technology has been developed to help the blind. Talking watches or Braille-watches. Computers with a Braille display or synthetic speech. Special embossers which convert normal text and prints it out in Braille. Hand-scanners that allow a person to read a document through the computer. These are just a few products for the blind that are on the market.
Many city planners and architects also take into consideration the blind and visually impaired. A voice announcing the floors in the lift and Braille on the number-buttons. A different type of tile just before an edge, often with a rough surface. Or contrasting colours on the steps of a staircase. These things can mean a lot to a blind person, even though we might not think much of it.
Guide-dogs are an excellent way for a blind person to move around. Literally it means having a pair of eyes helping out! Many people take in puppies and train them to be guide-dogs, it is not always done in a center. Others raise funds or adopt a puppy at a distance. All of this to help those who really need them.
Sometimes it is difficult to know how to help a person with a visual disability. It is so easy to go ahead and just take over the situation. Instead, it is good to ask them "What can I do to help?" and let them tell you what they need help with. Often it is more dignifying to them if you explain what you see and allow them to do things by themselves. It is also good to remember that all of us need help in one way or another!
