Ath the end of each year, the Government of Tuzla canton change the List of orthopaedic and other enabling aids. During the last evaluation, they put on the List four new aids for the blind on the bases of Initiative for putting enabling aids which blind persons use in daily life on the List and simplification of procedures for practicing rights to enabling aids initiated by the Association of visually impaired citizens of Tuzla and supported from associations of The blind from Gracanica, Zivinice and Banovici. Along with white cane, thermometer, talking pressure gauge and eye prosthesis, on the List are: talking wrist watch, Braille wrist watch, protective glasses and contact lens.

Participation  of Institution for health insurance for providing eye prosthesis is increased from 600 KM to 700 KM.

White cane is the only aid for which health institution cover expenses completely. Beneficiaries participate in providing all other aids from the list.

They achieved advancement through out advocacy toward institutions in charge. Meetings were organized with representatives of Ministry for health and Institution for health insurance. Commissions of Tuzla canton Assembly for health and human right supported Initiative.

It is important to mention that blind persons were consulted which aids are priority for them. The list of enabling aids for Initiative was created on the bases of their opinion. Many of them are not informed about new aids and possibilities which assistive technology give. So that is the reason because their choice were enabling aids which blind persons use.

If you have enabling aid which you don’t know how to use, is the same that you haven’t it. So, training how to use aid is very important.

It is hard to talk about access without simplification of procedures for enabling aids providing. Blind persons situated in municipalities without employed oculists authorised for signings forms for aids should not be put in unfavourable position.

The aim is equal accessibility of enabling aids for all blind persons according to their real needs.