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SIGHT RESTORATION OFFER
Help is at hand for people with cataracts. LOFOB is pleased to announce that it is able to assist indigent people to have cataract operations done. Limited resources will allow us to help a few people only, but it will nevertheless be a major contribution to the quality of life of those whose functioning is impaired through cataracts. Some people lose sight completely as a result of cataracts and there might be a possibility to restore sight in such cases. Cataract operations can also prevent blindness and we would urge people with cataracts to contact LOFOB immediately.
LOFOB offers a wide range of services to blind adults, toddlers and their parents and believe that the community should be proactive in preventing blindness. We recommend regular eye checks and call upon the health authorities to bring services closer to the people.
Whilst LOFOB provides high quality services to blind people in the quest to change what it means to be blind, every instance where we can reverse or prevent blindness will be a major contribution to the wellness of our society.
People in need of cataract surgery can contact Mrs Benita Petersen, the manager of LOFOB’s independence service on 0217053753. LOFOB would welcome any financial contribution towards this restoration of sight programme. For more information call Heidi Volkwijn at 0217053753 or e-mail LOFOB at info@lofob.org.za
MEDIA RELEASE- 13 MARCH 2008
OPENING THE DOORS TO INFORMATION FOR BLIND PEOPLE
199 years ago, a child was born that would open up the world of communication to blind people. The young Louis Braille, after being blinded in an accident in his father’s workshop, invented a coded system of writing that would allow blind people to have access to information which the rest of the world takes for granted. The six-dot Braille code has opened up life opportunities for many blind people who are now leaders on the world stage. The League of Friends of the Blind[LOFOB], in Grassy Park Cape Town is contributing to this empowerment by teaching newly blinded adults how to read and write Braille as part of its Independence Development Programme.
From 10 -19 March, 5 blind people trained by LOFOB, will be doing the Elementary Braille examination, one in Afrikaans and four in English Braille. The externally set and marked exam, written between 09:30 and 14:00 daily, requires the blind person to transcribe an article into uncontracted Braille. Last year all LOFOB trainees passed the elementary Braille Examination which is an indication of the quality of training provided at LOFOB.
LOFOB receives on average 30 new referrals of newly blinded adults every month. The cause of visual impairment ranges from trauma (ie. gunshot wounds), medical conditions (eg. diabetic retinopathy), and can be congenital. LOFOB has impacted on the lives of over 6000 blind and partially sighted people who have received services in one form or another. The rehabilitation service offers development of Communication Skills (Braille and typing); Personal Management skills (Personal Care; Hygiene); Home Management Skills; Life Management Skills (Social skills, self-esteem, problem solving and conflict resolution techniques) and includes promotion of sport and recreation. The programme is designed to enhance the functional ability of visually impaired persons within their communities. It seeks to link visually impaired people to appropriate resources and promote full integration and participation as active members of society.
LOFOB will be engaging the City Library services on the issue of accessibility for visually-impaired persons.
A FIRST FOR SOUTH AFRICA- FUTSAL COACHING WORKSHOP
A first for South Africa and in the blindness sector happened when LOFOB held a FUTSAL coaching workshop in January this year. With the clearly identified lack of resources and access to information with regards to Futsal(Five-a-side soccer)for the blind and visually impaired in the Western Cape and South Africa, LOFOB undertook to host the first Futsal Workshop in Southern Africa presented by Mr Carlos Campos, chairman of the Futsal subcommittee, for the International Blind Sports Federation[IBSA].
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The theoretical part of the workshop was held at the LOFOB Centre in Grassy Park and the practical training in the parking lot of the Ottery Hypermarket. Potential coaches included visually impaired sports people and sports, recreation officers of the City of Cape Town and the Athlone School for the Blind as well as the provincial department of Culture and sports. The 42 participants left with a desire to promote the sport and ensure introduction in the local communities where visually impaired people will be incorporated in sports activities offered by the local council. Coaches and players are now more knowledgeable having been equipped with an understanding of the impact of blindness and visual impairments when training for Futsal. They have a better understanding of the rules of the game, knowledge of training methods and techniques.
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The identified need to involve blind and visually impaired persons more actively in structured sport, recreation and leisure time activities within South Africa and the lack of knowledge and resources for Futsal in Africa and specifically South Africa informed LOFOB’s decision to urge IBSA to come to South Africa to present a workshop. The request was met with enthusiasm from Mr Campos and he recognised the opportunity to be important with regards to the growth of the game in Africa. LOFOB believed that it’s expertise and resources could be shared with participants to allow them to be able to transfer some of the practices to better manage their current programmes and the growth of the Futsal.
Futsal balls were distributed to the three main teams representing sport for the blind in the Western Cape. Efforts are being encouraged to establish Futsal clubs in all the provinces with a proper league structure to ensure the best soccer players are selected to represent South Africa. Futsal opens a new and interesting avenue for blind people to demonstrate excellence in sport. LOFOB’s expertise is available to assist blind people to develop and mange their own sporting structures.
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