Assistive devices for the blind in the Free State

The purpose of the South African National Council for the Blind (SANCB) is to empower people with visual impairments towards independence.

OVERVIEW

The SANCB has identified 96 people in the Free State province who are in need of basic assistive devices. The devices will, with proper training, allow the beneficiaries to perform day-to-day tasks and travel out of their homes without endangering themselves. This project will distribute four assistive devices and train the beneficiaries in their proper use. They are mobility canes, which, with training, allow visually impaired people to move around independently; signature guides, small windows in a piece of card through which visually impaired people can sign on the appropriate part of a page; liquid level indicators, which give an audio signal when a cup being filled has almost reached the top; and money sticks, which help visually impaired people to identify various denominations of bank note.

WHAT WE LIKE ABOUT THIS PROJECT

• Vulnerable people who are reliant on others to perform even simple tasks will be given the basic tools to live their lives more independently.
• The project is not simply a hand-out, but will ensure that the beneficiaries are properly trained to use their assistive devices.

EXPECTED LIFE CHANGE

An investment of R27,550.00 will pay for the new devices as well as for training in how to make proper use of the devices. Direct life change is estimated at R286.98 per person.

NEED

There are over 724,000 visually impaired people in South Africa. One of the biggest problems faced by these people is poverty; many lack the finances to buy assistive devices, which are crucial for independently performing day-to-day tasks. Many of these devices are imported and costly. Although the SANCB subsidises the cost of many of these items, they remain out of reach for many persons with visual impairments. The SANCB, through its national network of member organisations in the Free State has identified 96 individuals who need such assistive devices but are unable to afford them.

ACTION PLAN

Preparation

Target beneficiaries have already been identified. Measurements for their mobility canes will need to be taken, and orders placed for all the assistive devices.

Implementation

• Assistive devices will be distributed to the identified beneficiaries by the SANCB community developer and orientation and mobility instructor.
• The orientation and mobility instructor will provide training for the beneficiaries so that they are able to use their new devices properly.
• A follow-up visit will be conducted within three months of the assistive devices being distributed in order to ensure that they are being used correctly.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Records of all individuals receiving assistive devices will be kept, along with records of the details of the orders for and distribution of the devices. Reports will be compiled on the progress of each of the beneficiaries at the three month follow-up visit.

ORGANISATION ASSESSMENT

The SANCB is a well established national organisation, which incorporates 92 member organisations throughout the country. The purpose of the SANCB is to empower people with visual impairments towards independence. This is widely documented and understood within the organisation.

The governance structures of the SANCB are deeply democratic, with individuals from their member organisations nominating and voting for leaders who represent them on the National Executive Committee (NEC), which acts as the organisation’s board.

The SANCB is affiliated to a number of national, regional and international organisations, through which it is able to access research and review its own programmes to align with best practice. Beneficiaries of the SANCB have access to various decision-making bodies, which allow it to be responsive to particular needs and issues that are raised by their beneficiaries.

The SANCB has many sources of income, and relies heavily on individual donations. It has a formal, documented fundraising strategy in place to meet its future needs.

RISK PROFILE

Key Strengths

• Concept: Providing beneficiaries with these simple devices can be their first step towards independence. In the short term it will allow them to better take care of themselves and be less of a burden on their families. In the long run their newfound independence could lead to employment opportunities, allowing them to earn an income.
• Design: This is a relatively simple project, and all of the beneficiaries have already been identified.
• Capability: The project will be implemented by the community development coordinator as well as a orientation and mobility instructor. The SANCB has a proven track record in implementing similar projects.
• Control: The SANCB has engaged with community stakeholders and always works closely with government, which is able to provide complementary services such as counselling and occupational therapy.
• Sustainability: The experience of the SANCB has shown that empowering people to perform day-to-day tasks independently is often the first step towards greater independence, which can often lead to employment. In the long term this makes visually impaired people less reliant on others and better equipped to support themselves.

Key Risks - Low

• Concept: The outcome of the project relies on the beneficiaries using the tools that they are trained to use. There is only limited mentoring to oversee their proper use.
• Design: The project beneficiaries all live in remote areas of the Free State and are difficult to contact.
• Sustainability: This intervention is only the first step towards independence for the beneficiaries, and a considerable amount of hard work and commitment will be required for them to become more independent.