Blind residents highlight Eye Can Walk

THE community of Durban can experience a world without sight at the annual Eye Can Walk on October 9. Participants will be blindfolded before walking the 5km or 8km route with the help of a guide.

For couple Deen and Visa Pillay, the Eye Can Walk is a snapshot of daily life – both are totally blind.

The pair who met at the KwaZulu-Natal Blind and Deaf Society (KZNBDS) have been married for 13 years. Speaking to Berea Mail, the couple explain how visual impairment has impacted their lives.

“I was aged 31 in 1986 when I lost my sight. I was suicidal – I thought it was the end of the world for me. It was the encouragement of my family and friends and the motivation of KZNBDS that saved me. Margie Naidoo at KZNBDS taught me how to go about daily life without sight; she even taught me how to peel a potato,” recalled Deen.

KZNBDS gave him a new lease on life when he regained his independence.

“When I started moving on my own, it was like finding the light at end of the tunnel. Margie taught me how to use a white cane and walk along the street from KZNBDS in Ismail C Meer Street to West Street (Dr Pixley KaSeme Street). I had to count the number of streets I crossed, listening to the sounds of the people around me. She was following me, but I wasn’t aware of it. That’s how she taught me to become independent and get used to getting around on my own,” he said.

The process was a daunting one.

“It was terrifying, but I practised every day. Then Margie gave me a test. She gave me money and told me to go to a supermarket in town and buy two green apples. It was not easy – I had to ask people to tell me if the apple in my hand was a green one, but I passed the test – it was so exciting,” said Deen.

Amazingly, he now navigates the Durban streets independently.

“I feel confident. I can cross streets on my own. I can hear if transport is coming toward me or going away from me by the sound. I don’t worry about my sight anymore. I want to share my story with others to help encourage them,” he said.

His wife Visa was born without sight. She also uses a cane to get around. “The white cane that we use helps us to identify if there is an object in front of us. This is necessary, especially in an unfamiliar area,” said Visa.

While she is able to navigate with the help of her cane, Visa hopes the Eye Can Walk will help to raise awareness about the challenges faced by people with visual impairments. She takes an escort with her when she needs to walk on a public road where unsafe pavements present a challenge.

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“There are open manholes on the roads, so it is a struggle. I have fallen once or twice. In the last two years, since Covid-19, the roads have gotten quite bad. In a familiar environment – at home or in my office at work – I can navigate all around, but if I am going out in an unfamiliar place, I don’t know if there are stairs or manholes to navigate. I feel the community should understand those with visual impairment and be able to assist them out there on the roads,” she explained.

To get a taste of Visa’s experience, sign up for the Eye Can Walk and support the work KZNBDS does to empower those living without hearing or sight.

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More about the walk

General manager for the KwaZulu-Natal Blind and Deaf Society (KZNBDS), Navin Sreechand, said the event helps to raise awareness about life without sight, while also raising funds for the society’s work.

“Since I’ve joined the society, I have become more aware of the challenges blind people face. As an able-bodied person, one doesn’t even think about it. The Eye Can Walk gives the community a chance to see what challenges blind people face,” he said.

• The Eye Can Walk starts at Kings Park Stadium at 08:00. Entry is R70 for the 5km walk and R90 for the 8km walk. To register, visit www.eventtiming.info/events.php. For more information, email Fundraising@bdskzn.org.zapr or call KZNBDS on 031 309 4991.