The visually impaired see better times of late

Kerala Federation of the Blind turns 50, Minister to launch financial assistance scheme for self-employment projects

January 03, 2017 12:21 am | Updated 08:42 am IST - THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:

The headquarters of the Kerala Federation of the Blind.

The headquarters of the Kerala Federation of the Blind.

As the Kerala Federation of the Blind (KFB) enters its 50th year, its members acknowledge that the plight of the visually impaired population in the State has improved immensely over the last few decades, although there is still a long way towards becoming a visually impaired-friendly society.

In 1967, when the federation was founded, the visually impaired were a neglected and stigmatised section of society, says Habeeb C., vice president, KFB.

Employment opportunities were rare and education was restricted, with special schools only having classes up to Class 7.

Further, there were no organised efforts to address their issues.

A sea change has come about since then, says Mr. Habeeb.

Today, free education is guaranteed until the age of 18 and employment opportunities have multiplied due to reservation in government establishments under the Persons With Disabilities Act of 1995.

On its part, the KFB has strived to improve the capabilities of the visually impaired through its two special schools in Palakkad and Idukki, vocational training centres in Ernakulam and Kozhikode, the Braille press and library in Thiruvananthapuram, and a home for the destitute in Malappuram, among other facilities.

Nonetheless, a multitude of problems remain to be solved before we become a truly inclusive society, Mr. Habeeb says.

There is an overarching need to include the differently abled in policy-making and governance, and to ensure the effective and timely implementation of the concessions granted to them in various spheres.

At present, many deserving candidates do not get employment owing to delay in filling the backlog of posts and the lack of clarity in identifying posts for the visually impaired, while the reservation policy is not implemented properly in all universities, according to KFB officials.

Accessibility to public spaces also needs to be improved by installing voice-assistive technology at locations like traffic signals and ATMs, better footpaths and ramps at public buildings.

Apart from these concerns, the KFB also sought a hike in the disability pension offered to the fully visually impaired from ₹1,100 to ₹3,000 per month, and the removal of the income constraint on grant of concessions in schools and colleges.

Golden jubilee

On Tuesday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate KFB’s golden jubilee celebration at 3 p.m.. On the occasion,

Minister for Heath and Social Justice K. K. Shylaja will inaugurate KFB’s new financial assistance scheme for self-employment projects.

As part of the jubilee observance, the KFB is planning to build 30 houses for the visually impaired, and conduct the marriages of 50 visually impaired women across the State.

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