How good deed creates equal opportunities for the visually impaired (PHOTOS)

Thanks to the improved conditions at the Yerevan House of Culture for the Blind, the number of visually impaired people spending their free time here has increased in recent years. With the funds of businessman and philanthropist Ara Abrahamyan, the building was renovated seven years ago, creating a more comfortable environment for its visitors.

“Everything was in ruins. There was no ground floor at all, it was a bakery,” recalls Lusine, who has spent most of her week at the House of Culture for the Blind for more than ten years.

Visitors of this House of Culture of different ages are provided with some other conditions for entertainment, sports, and free time. There is a rich library with Braille, and a computer with programs for the visually impaired.

The House of Culture helps those with visual impairments to acquire new skills, more easily overcome everyday problems, and feel like full members of society.

In addition to solving the important problem of socialization, the House of Culture is also trying to find solutions for the main problems of people with visual impairments. For example, recently, with the involvement of doctors, they created a guide with practical advice on using medical services for the blind.

Lusine, 42, who has been blind since birth, says that people with limitations should not be pitied, but be given “wings” to “fly” on their own.

According to official data, 1,200 people with 1st and 2nd degree disabilities due to vision problems are registered in Armenia. Their number in the capital Yerevan is more than 300. The most that the state is able to do for them is a small disability pension, which is not enough even for their daily expenses. In addition to financial problems, people with disabilities living in Armenia first of all have the problem of equal opportunities—from freedom of movement to difficulties in exercising their right to study and work. The hustle and bustle of this House of Culture shows how society heals when people are not indifferent, especially those who have the ability to bring about change.