Sabvi hosts cane training session   |12 November 2021

The Seychelles Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (Sabvi) hosted a cane training session yesterday at the Beau Vallon beach.

Rosabel Hoareau, the focal contact person for Sabvi, noted that due to restrictions, their organisation could not organise the training. But following a donation of canes, Sabvi has organised this cane training session to assist and upskill blind people within our society.

“The activity will also reiterate a much-needed call for action for inclusivity and accessibility for blind people as pavements and roads are still not disabled-friendly. The use of the white canes can provide a certain level of autonomy and confidence for the users and can be especially useful in the immediate vicinity of the person’s living area, but also in familiar surroundings of nearby grocery stores and such. In a more urban setting, the use of these would be more effective if they were complemented with appropriate street adaptations.”

The white canes are replacing the canes the blind and visually impaired received from Rotary Club two years ago.

“Unfortunately the previous canes did not have the ball at the end of the cane which guide the person using it. Our association then decided to invest in 14 white canes. Our biggest danger for us is obstacles on the streets. This cane is the first step out of our comfort zone.”

Mrs Hoareau noted that currently in Seychelles the roads are not safe for a blind or visually impaired to go alone on the street.

“The pavements are not good. We are raising the issue of accessibility to the government for people using wheelchairs and visually impaired. There are no sufficient infrastructure to accommodate us. The government has to start fixing the pavements which are not user-friendly. The commonly used adaptations are tactile ground indicators which comprise various types of raised markings on the pavements to guide the visually impaired pedestrian and to alert them of impending dangers and hazards. Blister paving for example is used at pedestrian crossings and warns the user to stop and wait for an indication to proceed.”

Mrs Hoareau also urged people suffering from blindness and visual impairment to contact their association and she is also urging the Ministry of Health to help them get the names of the people.

During the session yesterday, the participants learned how to use their new canes and also practised on the walk-way of Beau Vallon.

The accompanying photos show highlights of the training session yesterday.

Vidya Gappy

Photos: Thomas Meriton