Panel discussion with the topic of The right of blind persons on enabling aids. Where we are now amd where we want to be? Took place in Tuzla in organization of the Association of visually impaired citizens of Tuzla. The event gathered different actors in one place: representatives of our partners the Association of blind citizens from Gracanica and Una-Sana canton, collaborative organizations from Banovici and Zivinice, Institucion for health insurance from Hercegovina-Neretva, Una-Sana and Tuzla canton, teachers and students from the Faculty for education and rehabilitation, regional centre OSC-a Tuzla, and members of the Assembly of Tuzla canton.
Its aim was raising awareness about importance of enabling aids role in enhancing level of independence of blind persons and consideration of initiatives for advancement of rights on enabling aids in Hercegovina-Neretva, Una-Sana and Tuzla canton.
Initiatives were launched in Una-Sana and Tuzla canton while amount of money for enabling aids on the list of Health institution increased from July this year.
Present stuff from health institutions in above mentioned cantons expressed their readiness for cooperation with associations of the blind and disability organizations during evaluation of enabling aids list.
Representatives of associations pointed out to complicated procedures for practicing blind persons right to enabling aids. A certain steps for simplification of procedures were made in Tuzla canton.
Participants also pointed out to the lack of professionals for training of blind persons how to use enabling aids.
The Decision on evaluation of the list of orthopedic and other aids is made at the end of every year, which is opportunity for consideration requests from initiatives.
Along with the health, issue of enabling aids include education and social care. So this important issue should be considered in boarder contekst.
Health institutions are ready to overtake steps from their responsibility in order to advance blind persons right on enabling aids.
Representatives of partners and collaborative organizations will continue to struggle for advancement of blind persons right on enabling aids. They expect that things finally will change after 30 years.
