Objectives

2. Objectives

(i) Advocacy
(ii) Employment
(iii) Study bursaries
(iv) Loan facilities
(v) Braille
(vi) Braille instruction
(vii) Information
(viii) Blind SA publications
(xi) Social development
(x) The elderly
(xi) Bequest officer
(xii) Education
(xiii) Fundraising

1. Introduction

What is it that guides us, and drives us? How do we plan on achieving our goal of providing the best possible support to the blind community of South Africa?

Broadly speaking, our objectives are to promote the interests of all blind people by:

Combatting poverty
The empowerment of blind people by amongst others the provision of Braille, the distribution of information and the provision of other developmental services. Members of member organisations of Blind SA enjoy preference
Acting as a pressure group with regard to any matter concerning blind people

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2. Objectives

(i) Advocacy:

Because results are more easily discernible, Blind SA tends to favour advocacy - focusing on a specific topic and targeting a particular sector - above general awareness raising.

We use our own publications, the public media, serving and networking with other organisations, participating in public forums and making representations to Government, including submissions on legislation.
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(ii) Employment:

Gainful employment is the origin of dignified self-sufficiency for most people, including blind people. In 1946 SABWO/Blind SA was formed to find suitable work for suitable trained blind people and this remains our primary objective today. Assisting workers to sustain their jobs and to gain promotion through appropriate training and acquisition of work related equipment and information is an added responsibility, which Blind SA is glad to bear.

Although all South Africans are granted the same rights, there is still some way to go before people with disabilities are accommodated satisfactorily. For more relevant information on disability equity, click on a link below:

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(iii) Study bursaries:

Each year numerous blind students take university and technicon courses to prepare themselves for life in commerce and industry and in civil society. To help such students obtain special equipment, study material, transport and reader services, Blind SA awards 60 bursaries annually strictly on academic merit.

If you wish to be considered, please apply before November of the year prior to commencing your studies.
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(iv) Loan facilities:

To counteract the high cost of living somewhat, especially for a group of people who tend to have a lower than average income, Blind SA makes interest-free loans available form its revolving fund for the purchase of word and study related equipment and for household goods. This facility is available to blind and partially sighted members only.
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(v) Braille:

Braille is the only means whereby a totally blind person can attain literacy. For this reason, Blind SA's printing press, Braille Services, at our headquarters in Johannesburg is of paramount importance.

We produce Braille to order for schools, university students, and individual adults in all the official languages of South Africa. Other important products include magazines, calendars, postal code books, timetables, broadcasting and motor rally schedules, agendas, minutes and reports. See Blind SA Publications below for more information.
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(vi) Braille instruction:

There is a huge need for Braille literacy among blind persons from previously disadvantaged communities, as well as newly blinded persons. To address this need, Blind SA started a Braille tutoring service and appointed a Braille instructor who operates at and from our head office in Johannesburg. This service sparked huge excitement amongst those who attend the classes.
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(vii) Information:

The key to independence is appropriate, reliable information on the world around us. Blind SA uses Braille, ink print, audio tape, the Internet, the telephone and computer discs.
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(viii) Blind SA Publications:

Blind SA News is the official mouthpiece of Blind SA, containing news, views and comments, it appears in Braille, in ink print and on audio tape.
Braillorama is a very popular monthly Braille magazine, containing contributions from its readers and articles from the local press.
Braillorette contains information of special intrest to blind people. It appears every second month in Braille, in ink print, on audio tape and on the Internet.
The latest addition to our popular magazines is the Braille Trumpet which has a strong African basis.

Parent Network Newsletter is a newsletter for the parents of visually impaired children.

Click on this link to download the latest issues of these magazines.
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(ix) Social development:

Most Member Organisations of Blind SA provide various forms of social and cultural activity and upliftment through their own voluntary efforts. There is special emphasis on the needs of newly blind people and of socially deprived citizens.
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(x) The elderly:

Blind SA does not only concentrate on the needs and the interests of the working age group, but also looks after the interests of retired workers and of the large number of South Africans who lose their sight in later life.
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(xi) Bequest officer:

Blind SA appointed a bequest officer to cater for the needs of elderly persons. The bequest officer travels extensively and schedules a minimum of 45 visits per month. The outreach is highly appreciated by the elderly community.
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(xii) Education:

Blind SA has an Education Committee which addresses all issues regarding the education of blind and partially sighted learners. Discussions regarding inclusive education have been taken up with the Minister of Education and various other role players. It is extremely important to Blind SA to ensure that visually impaired learners receive quality education.

Blind SA, National Council for the Blind and SA National Association of Blind and Partially Sighted Persons hosted an Education think tank and development workshop on 9 and 10 September. During this think tank, Cathy Donaldson and Hazel Marshall agreed to initiate the establishment of a nationwide network of parents of blind and partially sighted children, including those with additional disabilities and those who are deafblind, to inform and support each other and to promote quality education for their children at every level – from infancy to university.

If you are the parent or guardian of such a child, receiving or requiring education, or if you know of such a child, please lodge your contact details with Cathy Donaldson at:

Cell: 083-701-4246
Phone: (011) 753-1607
E-mail: mwcathdo@mweb.co.za
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(xiii) Fundraising

Why do we need money?

Despite a vast voluntary input:

to pay our specialists and administrative staff
to fund our direct services
to maintain our offices and equipment.

Where does the money come from?

our members
the generous S.A. public
businesses
trusts
local authorities
churches and schools
service clubs
Braille books sales
government subsidies towards Braille production
social work
bequests

Would you like to make a financial contribution to Blind SA? Click here to make a donation!
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End of page.

Objectives

1.Introduction

2. Objectives

1. Introduction

2. Objectives