Visual Impairment and Human Rights

Abstract

Introduction: It is important to recognize the extent to which views on persons with visual impairment have changed over the years. From looking at this issue as a medical condition, it is nowadays being regarded as a human rights issue which has today been embedded into legally binding instruments at the national, regional and the international levels. Purpose: The purpose of this work is to address the human rights aspect of visual impairment, the challenges faced and to assess if the rights of persons with visual impairment are effectively enforced. Methodology: The qualitative methodology of research was used to gather information such as observation and unstructured interviews. Findings: We discovered that there is the inadequate provision of support needs to persons with visual impairment as well as inaccessibility to infrastructures. Unique contribution to theory and practice: In theory, this piece of work is beneficial to the entire academic society as it contributes to the existing body of literature. In practice, it raises awareness on the need for the promotion and protection of persons with visual impairment. As concerns policy recommendations, we tackled the Government, institutions and the Community. As one of the policy recommendations to the government in particular, we saw the need to address the fact that they should be louder on raising awareness on the existence of such rights by teaching the human rights of persons with visual impairment in educational institutions. The institutions should organise talks or conferences which will help them identify challenges these people face while the community can contribute in creating a conducive atmosphere for these people by being warm and receptive.