People are being challenged to think about how easily they would be able to get around the Island if they were to lose their sight.
The Manx Blind Welfare Society will mark Vision Awareness Week next month – as part of that it’s holding the “Walk My Way” event on September 20th.
The blindfolded guided walk along Douglas Promenade will help people to experience what it’s like to walk with obstructed vision and how to help others do the same.
Debbie Thompson from the charity says it’s important to break some myths around vision problems which currently affect over 600 people here to varying degrees:
WALK MY WAY
A walk to raise vision awareness
SUNDAY 20th SEPTEMBER 2015
2pm till 5pm
Starting at the War Memorial on Douglas Promenade
Manx Blind Welfare Society will host Vision Awareness Week on 14th– 20th September 2015.
Throughout Vision Awareness Week there will be a series of public
events Island-wide and “Walk My Way” will be held on Sunday 20th September. The
aim of “Walk My Way” is to significantly raise public awareness of the challenges
faced by blind and visually impaired people living in the Isle of Man. Walking is a
wonderful form of exercise for anyone but it can be a much greater challenge for
people who are blind or have a visual impairment, as they have a very different view
of the world around them. We hope that everyone who takes part will gain a better
understanding.
Manx Blind Welfare Society also hopes to highlight the vital work done locally to
assist people living with visual impairment. We aim to promote the importance of
good eye health to minimise the risk of visual impairment. We also aim to support
people with sight loss to live their lives free of discrimination and to provide services
to enhance the inclusion and independence of blind and visually impaired people
living in the Isle of Man.
Manx Blind Welfare Society, Corrin Court, Heywood Avenue, Onchan, Isle of Man,
IM3 3AP
Manx Blind Welfare Society looks after the interests of approximately 600 people
with serious sight loss on the Isle of Man. Established in 1936, it provides a
comprehensive range of services and support, including a talking book library, a
recording studio providing a weekly news service, computer training room, a
specialist equipment room and a dining and social room. Apart from a subsidised
charge for lunches, all services are provided for free. The Society is financially
independent of Government relying entirely on fundraising, donations and legacies
for its services.