Distribution of 1,000 Rehabilitation Aids Among the Blind in Mazandaran

Sari – Mazandaran Welfare Director-General said that over the past year, 1,044 rehabilitation aids, including canes, glasses, talking watches and other required equipment, have been provided to these individuals.

Referring to the approach of this organization in supporting people with disabilities, Ruqiyeh Rahmani stated before noon on Wednesday at the ceremony for the International Day of the Blind: empowering people with visual impairments requires a series of continuous supports in the social, educational, livelihood and rehabilitation fields so that they can be more independent in the society.

He added: Currently, 9,342 blind and partially sighted people in Mazandaran province are covered by welfare services and benefit from support such as rehabilitation equipment, counseling, monthly pension and home care services.

Referring to the measures taken to increase the access of visually impaired people to the necessary equipment, Mazandaran General Director of Welfare said: Over the past year, one thousand and 44 rehabilitation aids including canes, glasses, talking watches and other necessary equipment have been provided to these people.

Rahmani also considered the prevention and early detection of vision disorders as one of the important priorities of well-being and stated: The vision screening plan for children aged three to six years is implemented throughout the province and during the past year, 75,142 Mazandaran children were evaluated in this plan.

He continued: During these screenings, 1,933 children with visual impairment were identified and referred to higher levels to receive specialized investigations and interventions.

The Director General of Mazandaran Welfare emphasized the importance of timely intervention and noted: Early detection of vision disorders, especially in childhood, can provide the basis for receiving medical and specialized services at the right time and prevent the aggravation of problems and their consequences in the coming years.

Supporting the employment and economic independence of the blind

Referring to welfare programs in the field of employment and economic empowerment of blind and partially sighted people, Rahmani said: This General Directorate, in cooperation with technical and professional centers and executive bodies, pursues programs such as job empowerment, payment of self-employment facilities, and support for special workshops for blind people.

According to him, the development of these supports is done with the aim of increasing job opportunities, strengthening economic independence and providing more effective participation of visually impaired people in the society.

He also informed about welfare educational support in cooperation with exceptional education and added: supporting the education process of blind students, along with psychological and counseling services, is one of the other activities of this complex.

Rahmani stated: Welfare psychological and counseling service centers play a role in the psychological and social development of visually impaired people from childhood to adulthood by holding life skills workshops, strengthening self-esteem and improving communication skills.

In the end, the Director General of Mazandaran Welfare emphasized the need to improve society's attitude towards visually impaired people and said: Blindness does not mean disability and when equal opportunities, appropriate access and necessary support are provided, blind and partially sighted people can have an effective presence in the scientific, cultural and social fields.

He emphasized: the welfare approach is to provide conditions so that no person is deprived of the opportunity of active participation, individual independence and effective presence in society due to disability; A goal whose realization requires, in addition to support services, to increase the accessibility and companionship of the community.