One of the greatest satisfactions for any parent is for their children to successfully complete each level of schooling. This satisfaction is further heightening when their children transition into a competitive internship programme in a reputable organization. At the end of hopefully a meaningful and rewarding internship programme, a job offer is made with a reasonable starting package. An alternative as well is for the courageous graduate to launch a business, so rather than seeking employment, employees are being sought.
Do individuals who are Blind or with low vision have equal educational opportunities? Are adequate provisions in place to facilitate a smooth transition from primary, secondary to tertiary levels for this community of persons with difference of abilities? The Adventist Possibility Ministries (APM) have recognized the need to inspire, equip, and mobilize” all members to fulfill their divine calling. APM is “grounded in the belief that the gospel transforms the way we see ourselves, others, and God”. This is a movement that focuses on the “strengths and possibilities” of all its members including the Blind and persons with low vision.
For the empowerment of the Blind and visually impaired (low vision), there needs to be equal accessibility at all levels of the educational system. According to the description of the United Nation Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) four, “Education for all has always been an integral part of the sustainable development agenda.” For our society to group economically, human capital development programme must not only gear towards the sighted but have targets for the Blind and persons with low vision. Goal four of SDGs is to “Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.” It is not debatable, according to SDGs, quality education is a “key enabler for sustainable development” and therefore must include the Blind and persons with low vision.
The rights of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) are well protected under the law. In keeping with the Disabilities Act 2014, both public and private educational institutions need to be intentional about providing accessibility for all. The Blind and persons with low vision without undue impediment should be able to “approach, enter and move around within any premises” with minimum to no aid. They should have the freedom to make use of any benefits including participation in co-curricular activities within educational institutions. Both public and school libraries need to make a deliberate effort in providing greater accessibility to a wider selection of eBooks, research, and publications available in audio versions.
For persons who have an interest in becoming more effective in serving and impacting the lives of persons who are Blind or with low vision, the call is to join and support the APM and be a volunteer in your church and communities. In East Jamaica, The APM at the Sandy Park Seventh- day Adventist church is a proud partner of the Jamaica Society for the Blind (JSB). To become a volunteer with the JSB, visit the website https://jamaicasocietyfortheblind.org/ select “volunteer” and complete the volunteer form. Better, yet you can call the JSB office and arrange a visit Mondays to Fridays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Am sure, they would be happy to hear from you.
I believe the greatest act of empowering the Blind and persons with low vision is through education, employment, collaboration, facilitating and encouraging their participation in all aspects of church life. When we volunteer our time for the service of others, we not only empower others, but we experience joy, satisfaction and become more empowered. The APM will continue to advocate and support all its members including the Blind and persons with low vision.