Looking at independence

For visually-impaired people, however, it is tasks like these that mean the difference between constantly depending on others, and leading a functional, independent life.

The South African Guide Dogs Association for the blind stated that more than 380 000 people in the country are blind and only a small fraction of them are able to keep guide dogs. Also, the association can only train 55 to 60 dogs a year and cannot supply every blind person with a dog. Given that blind people in rural areas can’t afford to maintain a guide dog, or live in unfavourable conditions, more often than not, guide dogs are unsuitable for many of South Africa’s blind citizens.

“That’s why the role of the College of Orientation & Mobility is so vital,” stated Rosemary Alexander, project officer for the college which is based on the association’s property.

She continued to explain that students are trained at the college and become qualified Orientation and Mobility Practitioners. These practitioners go into schools, hospitals, retirement villages and rural villages to teach the visually impaired how to access independence by using just a cane, without the use of a guide dog.

“They also teach the visually impaired the skills of daily living, like how to handle their personal grooming, the cleaning of their homes and the preparation and cooking of their meals.”

The college is proud to boast that six new students have begun their training and are on their way to completing their SETA-accredited Diploma in orientation and mobility over the next two years.

The college would like to welcome Florence Mampuru, Godfrey Magagula, Meggie Banda, Phumzile Mhlabane, Isaac Mashiane and Sindisiwe Khosa as the class of 2016 and would like to wish them the best for their studies over the next two years.

Details: South African Guide Dog Association for the blind www.guidedog.co.za

Which other charities who assist the visually impaired do you know of? Email Fourways Review at fourwaysr@caxton.co.za and let us know.