The Malawi Union of the Blind (MUB) has called upon the government to prioritise inclusivity by guaranteeing equal access to essential information and upholding the rights of all citizens, irrespective of their disabilities.
The plea comes as the Union joins the international community in commemorating World Braille Day on January 4 under the global theme: “Empowering through Inclusion and Diversity.”
In an interview, MUB executive director Ezekiel Kumwenda urged government to prioritise inclusivity by ensuring crucial documents, including the constitution, disability and land reforms bills, among others, are made accessible to individuals with diverse reading needs, especially those with visual impairments.
“We want information to be in the accessible format so that people with visual impairment do really know actually is happening with the modern world, so that whatever they do they should not regret that they did that particular thing because they didn’t know what was there.
“This will also help people with visual impairment to compete with other counterparts without any other problem because they have information since they will have knowledge,” said Kumwenda.
Through advocacy, education, and empowerment initiatives, the MUB executive director said the organisation continues to champion the rights of visually impaired individuals, striving to break down barriers to accessibility, education, employment, and social inclusion.
According to Kumwenda, MUB remains steadfast in its commitment to building a society where the contributions of individuals with visual impairments are acknowledged and celebrated.
Kumwenda added that there is need for collective action towards building a more inclusive and diverse society, where the brilliance of diversity illuminates the path towards a brighter, more equitable future for all.
He said: “By embracing accessible formats, such as braille or audio versions, the government can truly guarantee equal access to essential information and upholding the rights of all citizens, regardless of their abilities.”
The day, which was designated by the United Nations (UN), holds a distinctive significance among the visual impairment community as it marks the birthday of Louis Braille, the inventor of the Braille script, born in France in 1809.
Braille is a universal code rather than a language which serves as a tool to write and read in various languages, including Chichewa and many other languages used in Malawi.
