Got a blindness-related question?

Q: Who reads our Braille?
A: Any Braille user.

Q: Is Braille costly?
A: Yes, it is very expensive to produce Braille, however Blind SA subsidises Braille for individuals by 99%. Blind SA uses a sliding scale to cost Braille for corporates, government etc.

Q: Can I learn Braille after becoming blind late in life?
A: Yes, Blind SA’s Braille Instructor offers Braille tuition to any individual free of charge.

Q: How long does it take to learn Braille?
A: Between three to six months.

Q: From what age can I start learning Braille?
A: From the age of +- 6 years.

Q: Is Braille available in all 11 official languages?
A: Yes, in all 11 official languages. Braille Instruction is currently only available in Afrikaans and English.

Q: Can a blind person use a computer?
A: Yes, by making use of screen reading software or Braille displays.

Q: Can a partially sighted person use a computer?
A: Yes, by making use of text magnification software.

Q: How does a blind person tell time?
A: By using a Braille watch or a talking watch.

Q: How does a blind person identify money?
A: By using a money stick and a coin selector.

Q: Can a blind person manage his/her personal finances and banking?
A: Yes, by using telephone banking and internet banking.

Q: Can a blind person cook, make tea, sew, iron, knit etc.?
A: Yes, there is a skills of daily living course and devices such as liquid level indicators, bathe alarms, tot measures, needle treaders etc.

Q: Can a blind person move around independently?
A: Yes, they are trained in mobility and orientation, they can use either a white cane or a guide dog.

Q: How does a blind person dress and match their colours?
A: They mark their clothes with various shapes of buttons or arrange it in a certain sequence in the cupboard. A colour coder, which tells the garments colour, can also be used, it is however very expensive.

Q: How do you address a blind person?
A: Look them in the eye and speak directly to them, not though a third person. Don’t be afraid to use words like see you, look there, did you watch TV last night etc. – Ask the person when your are not certain.

Q: How do you guide a blind person?
A: Walk slightly in front of the person allowing him/her to take hold of your arm – Do Not grab, push of pull them.

Q: How does a blind person sign documents?
A: They use a signature guide.

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