engleski

Involvement of blind persons in the community

Visual impairments are as old as the humankind. The first eye specialists can be found in ancient Egypt. According to the WHO data, in 2010 there was about 285 million persons with low vision and blindness in the world. Today it is estimated that about 5, 350 persons with low vision and blindness live in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The aim of this research is to gain insight into how active blind persons are in various segments of social life. The study was conducted in September 2016. Research results show that blind persons are often limited in their daily functioning (e.g. driving to work) and often depend on others. Also results show that aids they need are not available. The research was conducted in the municipality of Tomislavgrad. The theme and the purpose of the research were explained to all participants, anonymity and confidentiality of data was guaranteed, and consent for the recording of the interview was sought. In addition to the recorder, paper and pencil were used. The method used was a semistructured interview. The average duration of the interview was 60 minutes. The results show that blind persons can independently perform most tasks. Blind persons are active in various associations and religious organizations. The results also show that participants have positive experiences with social workers and that social workers play a very important, big and immeasurable role in the life of the blind. Blind persons mention aversion to labelling and prejudices which are unfortunately still present in the society. But the greatest support and motivation they find in the family. Participants state that society is not sufficiently adapted to the blind persons and that society, if it makes an effort, can greatly help and make life easierfor blind persons, for example with volunteering and increasing opportunities for work.

disability, visual impairments, blindness, mobility and activity, Braille alphabet, blind persons and education, blind persons at work, autonomous and independent life.

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