Prayatna Nepal Empowers Visually Impaired Women Through Mobility Training

Author: Sarita Lamichhane - Contact: Contact Details
Published: 2025/01/02 - Updated: 2025/01/04
Publication Type: Informative
Topic: Disability Visual Aids - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis Introduction Main

Synopsis: Prayatna Nepal's program empowers visually impaired women with essential mobility and orientation skills, fostering independence through white cane techniques and sensory awareness training.

Why it matters: This article is valuable for its comprehensive portrayal of an empowering program designed by Prayatna Nepal to enhance the independence and mobility of visually impaired individuals, particularly women. It highlights the transformative impact of specialized training in urban and rural navigation, orientation, and mobility skills using white canes and sensory awareness techniques. The article's significance lies in its demonstration of how targeted interventions can dramatically improve the quality of life for visually impaired people, enabling them to navigate their environments confidently, use public transportation, and perform daily tasks independently. By including personal stories of participants and expert insights, the article effectively illustrates the program's practical benefits and its potential to foster social inclusion, self-reliance, and advocacy within the visually impaired community - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

Pokhara, Kaski: Prayatna Nepal, a trailblazing organization led by visually impaired women, has successfully concluded a transformative five-day Safe Mobility Training in Pokhara, Kaski. The program, attended by 15 visually impaired women, aimed to enhance confidence and independence through practical training on mobility and orientation - fundamental skills for self-reliant living.

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Visually impaired individuals, who experience little to no functional vision, often encounter barriers that limit their independence and heighten social isolation. Without appropriate skills, many remain dependent on sighted family members, restricting their activities to the home.

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Facilitator orienting the participant up and down staircase using white cane. — The image depicts two individuals on a staircase. The person on the left is wearing a dark green jacket, light-colored pants, and black sneakers with a distinctive pattern. They have a set of keys hanging from their belt. The person on the right is dressed in a brown jacket, a teal-colored sweater with a white pattern, and dark pants. They are holding a white cane with a red tip, suggesting they might have a visual impairment. The staircase has a colorful railing, and the background includes a wall with red and green sections and a window with a green frame. The setting appears to be indoors, possibly in a school or community building.

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Prayatna Nepal designed this program to dismantle such barriers by equipping participants with essential tools to navigate their surroundings. Utilizing white canes and honing sensory awareness, the training prepared attendees to confidently traverse both familiar and unfamiliar environments. The program also included communication techniques to ensure participants could effectively seek assistance when needed.

"We envision these women becoming ambassadors for visually impaired communities, showcasing the possibilities of independent living," said the Secretary of Prayatna Nepal.

Training Catered to diverse mobility challenges in both urban and rural contexts:

Urban Mobility: Participants practiced navigating public transport, locating bus stops, shopping in supermarkets, and managing fare transactions.
Rural Navigation: The training addressed off-road terrain, using natural indicators like wind and sunlight, and overcoming barriers unique to rural settings.
Orientation: Developing spatial awareness and route planning indoors and outdoors.
Mobility: Learning safe travel techniques such as street crossing, stair navigation, and climbing terrain.

Through sensory development and white cane techniques, participants enhanced their ability to move safely in a range of settings.

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Participant practicing to cross the road independently using white cane. — The image depicts a person with a visual impairment crossing a street at a zebra crossing. The individual is using a white cane with a red tip, which is a common aid for navigation by those who are blind or have low vision. They are dressed in a dark green jacket, black pants, and black boots, and are wearing sunglasses and a headscarf. In the background, there is a busy urban street scene with several buildings, including a multi-story structure with various shops on the ground floor. There are signs in a language that appears to be Nepali, suggesting the location might be in Nepal. A truck is parked on the side of the street, and several people are walking or standing nearby, engaged in various activities. The weather appears to be clear, with a blue sky and some trees visible.

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Stories of Transformation

The program profoundly impacted participants, fostering newfound confidence and independence:

Dikshya Tamang: "Before the training, I always traveled with my daughter. By the third day, I traveled alone and could recognize my home by the sound of a nearby workshop. Using the cane while walking on the street and using public transportation has ensured my disability reservation seats."
Romi Gurung: "After losing my sight eight years ago, I avoided walking alone. This training gave me the skills to achieve independence."
Srijana Pariyar participant of sister of Prayatna Gandaki: "As someone with low vision, I've realized the need to prepare for an independent future. I now aspire to become a trainer myself."
Bhagawati Paneru: "Being blind by birth, I've always depended on others to walk. This training helped me build confidence and embrace the white cane."
Chija Giri: "Although I could walk before, I often fell into ditches or on stairs. This training improved my mobility skills and my confidence."

"Though I am working at organization working for women with visual impairment, I used to signalize them with my side of left and right whereas through this practical learning by participating in the training, I now understand that it's not my side but of the visually impaired." Program Officer, Prayatna Nepal

Facilitator Rabindra Khanal emphasized the importance of tailored mobility aids.

"Most organizations in Nepal provide standard-sized white canes, which do not meet the needs of all users. Customizing cane sizes and designs can significantly improve mobility and independence."

Rabindra urged stakeholders to adopt a more inclusive approach, ensuring equitable access to appropriately sized mobility aids.

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A participant walking independently on footpath using white cane. — The image depicts a street scene in what appears to be an urban area. The street is lined with various buildings, some of which seem to be residential and others possibly commercial. There are several vehicles on the road, including a motorcycle and a car. The sidewalk is adjacent to the road, with some pedestrians visible in the background. The person in the foreground is wearing traditional attire, which appears to be a long, patterned garment, and is walking with the aid of a white cane, indicating they might be visually impaired. The weather seems clear, and the time of day appears to be late afternoon, given the long shadows cast on the ground.

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This initiative reflects Prayatna Nepal's commitment to empowering visually impaired women through skill-building programs that prioritize accessibility. By addressing the challenges of mobility and orientation, the training paves the way for participants to lead fuller, more self-sufficient lives, whether in bustling urban areas or rural landscapes.

"Such programs are especially vital for those who lose their vision later in life. Ensuring broader participation in these sessions can make them even more impactful," said Preeti (name changed).

Prayatna Nepal continues to champion initiatives that foster independence and equality, inspiring visually impaired women to embrace their full potential.

About the Author

Sarita Lamichhane, Rights activist for women with disability.