Seychelles Union of the Blind calls on support from blind and sighted people |26 January 2018

It goes without saying that it is difficult for those who are visually impaired to accept and cope with the news that their condition cannot be treated. The feelings implicated have been compared to those of grief/mourning and it is not hard to understand why there are so many groups that have formed worldwide to support the mental, emotional and physical wellbeing of blind/disabled people.

Support groups exist to empower the disabled to take part in any aspect of life that they choose and it is for this reason that Brigitte Lablache, chairperson of the Seychelles Union of the Blind (SUB), calls for support to revive the dormant association.

The SUB was formed in 1997 and despite being inactive for some years, Brigitte who has been blind since birth herself, remains the chairperson since she took on the role from Thomas Knowles after his five-year tenure ended.

The union’s committee consisted of five blind members who were assisted by three sighted members and was set up to represent, support and improve the lives of blind and partially sighted people in Seychelles.

Aside from offering this minority a platform where they could meet to socialise, engage in various activities & games and raise funds for the union, one of the main objectives of the association was to improve education for the blind people.

Many people become blind at a later stage in their lives and it is very difficult for them to adjust and cope with this new and harsh reality. This was one other reason for the formation of such a union as it is strongly felt that blind people should be given the necessary support to accept their condition, to live normal lives and to achieve their own objectives.

It is with regret that Brigitte explains that the organisation became inactive after about ten years due to a lack of support. She feels that it is important however to revive this association and for both blind and sighted people to be a part of it, to lend their support in whichever way they can, with the overall aim of helping blind people lead better, safer and more fulfilling lives.

After the union became dormant, Brigitte has learnt of more people becoming blind, including children. She encourages parents to join the group to gain more support, encouragement and motivation to care for their own blind children. Parents can be empowered to help their children lead normal, happier lives, make them feel like they are part of our society and to be more positive.

“I try to do as much as I can to help others and it is my greatest joy being able to spend time with other blind people. I can do a lot but I still need the support of both blind and sighted people to help me run the association; we need committed, serious and honest people,” says Brigitte.

She adds that the School for the Exceptional Child currently does not have a qualified teacher and this is one issue that she hopes the union will be able to help resolve. It is also Brigitte’s hope that the Ministry of Education will be able to train some teachers to work with blind children in normal schools where they can make use of laptops with special speech software.

In the old days, Brigitte recalls that she did not have the opportunity to be educated and learnt a significant amount of what she knows now the hard way. “I do not want young blind people to go through the same thing. Education is important and with advancements in technology, it is now much easier to learn, even with disabilities,” explains Brigitte.

Additionally, she feels that it is important for the condition of roads in Seychelles to improve as any damage/holes on the roads can pose serious risks to the blind/disabled. It would be most helpful if accessibility into buildings could be made more conducive for use by the blind/disabled.

She also encourages volunteers to come forward and help the blind as well as other disabled people in Seychelles by simply spending time with them, reading to them or helping them with their chores such as grocery shopping.

Both blind and sighted people who are willing to help revive the SUB and make positive differences for the blind community are welcomed and invited to contact Brigitte on 2 572 588.