Brest: visually impaired fight for equality

Mrs. Iryna Yurenia, chair of the Brest regional organization "BelTIZ", believes that the rehabilitation of the visually impaired is a complex problem of the entire society, so the state and public institutions should pay more attention to the issue, as the problem affects 3,000 people in Brest alone. It is especially topical when it comes to creating a barrier-free environment: special road signs, "voiced" traffic lights and electronic informants, as well as specially marked first and the last steps on stairs.

In fact, sometimes the handicapped face absurd situations. For example, in one of the apartment buildings in Pinsk during the reconstruction the builders installed a ramp, but forgot to remove a concrete flower bed, which blocked the entrance to the house. As a result, it is impossible to use such a ramp.

Many aspects in full rehabilitation of visually impaired relates to employment and acquiring new professions. In addition, according to Iryna Yurenia, except special technical means, equal rights to other people with disabilities should be provided through the implementation of common social needs. "Persons with disabilities should not only be sympathized: they all want to live an active life, fully work for the good of society and not languish on the sidelines of life," says the chair of "BelTIZ."