2011 issue 2 GOLDEN JUBILEE

She was given the

name Nomvuselelo:

you have aroused

the consciences of

many. Helen Keller

in South Africa

The brand

new voting

template a

great success

in recent

elections

‘The greatest

thing to happen

to blind people

for a very long

time’ - the

iPhone

Welcome to

Ophthalmia,

the Country of

the Blind

imfamaimfama

Council for theNATIONALSouth African

BlinBlinCorrespondence:

Available formats:

Council’s Officers:

The Editor, PO Box 11149, Hatfield,

Pretoria 0028

Tel: +27 12 452-3811

Fax: +27 12 346-4699

Web: www.sancb.org.za

Dr William Rowland

Assistant Editor:

Lindie van Zyl

Design and layout:

Lilla Fourie

To receive Imfama in braille, print or

electronic format, contact Lindie van

Zyl, stating preferred format:

E-mail: imfama@sancb.org.za

Tel: +27 12 452-3811

To receive Imfama on tape, please first

register as a member of Tape Aids for

the Blind:

Tel: +27 31 309-4800

E-mail: for membership at Tape Aids

and registration on Imfama tape mailing

list: director@tapeaids.co.za

To receive Imfama in DAISY format,

please first register as a member of The

South African Library for the Blind:

Tel: +27 46 622-7226

E-mail: Helen Samuels for SALB

membership:audiolib@blindlib.org.za;

and Karen Marechal to be added to

Imfama list: karen.marechal@salb.org.za

Honorary President:

Dr William Rowland

Honorary Vice-Presidents:

Mrs Hazel Marshall and Ms C E Aucamp

Chairperson:

Adv Lucky Bokaba

Deputy Chairperson:

Dr Praveena Sukhraj-Ely

Treasurer:

Philip Bam

National Executive Director:

Jace Nair

Provided ackwledgement is given,

the contents of Imfama may be

freely utilised and reproduced.

ISSN 0019 2724

Editor:

Official magazine of the South African National Council for the Blind

Issue 2 of 2011

Volume 51 Number 2

GOLDEN JUBILEE:

Helen Keller

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imfama 50 years

The South African National Council for the Blind is

committed to the principles of a transparent

democracy and upholding the ethical principles of a

truly secret ballot for all South Africans. Here Mrs

Hazel Marshall, Honorary Vice-President of the

Council, demonstrates the brand-new voting

template.

Imfama is the Xhosa word for a blind person. Imfama magazine is published three times a year

CONTENTS

3

From the desk of the Editor

From the desk of the National

Executive Director

FeaturesHelen Keller

Helen Keller’s travels in South

Africa

Our right to a secret ballot

Imfama - mapping our progress

over the past 50 years

Local newsThere and back! Part Two

International newsTurkish government to offer

‘Seeing Eye’

Member organisationsCelebrating 75 years of service

in KZN

EducationTeaching life

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7

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27

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CONT

ENTS

2011 issue 2

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20

23

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27

BrailleAdvances in braille for African

languages

What's happening

15th IKK - From an African

perspective

Ophthalmic nurses from

Botswana visit Council

Local minister of religion receives

Calvary Empowerment Award

Resource CentreVery affordable BrailleNotes

available

History of the Perkins Brailler

Science and technologyMy first week with the iPhone

Arts and cultureCommemorating George

Shearing

Inclusion - a uniquely African CD

Blind sculptor recreates

untouchable masterpiece

Ian Hutton columnCountry of the Blind

Helen Keller’s life and wisdom

in brief

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EDITORfrom the desk of the

In my first editorial of this 50th happenings. Examples in this issue

anniversary year of Imfama, I traced are the Helen Keller materials I

the history of the magazine over the discovered during a recent visit to

five decades of its existence. I also the American Foundation for the

explained its purpose, which is to Blind, the death of George Shearing,

inform our readers, provoke their and the article on the iPhone 4.

interest and promote a positive All of this happens over a period of

philosophy of blindness. Now, in my about two months, after which we

second editorial of the year, I would gather for an editorial planning

like to describe the process followed session. The National Executive

in developing the contents of each Director, Jace Nair, sits in on these

issue.sessions. Together the group sifts

It begins with the editorial team at through the suggestions and

Council who generate a set of garnered articles and makes a

suggestions focusing on areas of selection. Members of staff are

work core to our business – assigned to write particular pieces,

education, employment, low vision, while I myself have the task of

braille, programmes of our member commissioning articles from outside

organisations, and more. Topics are sources. I prescribe the length of the

also identified for two to three article, suggest points for inclusion,

feature articles, for example, human- and ask for relevant photographs.

interest stories, individual Strict deadlines are given.

achievements of blind people, and As items come in the assistant editor, new initiatives. We also keep a Lindie van Zyl, meticulously pre-edits constant watch for news items to the material with the support of include in our regular columns, such Shakira Hoosain. Once sufficient as international material is at hand, we meet for at news, science and least two lengthy editing sessions technology, arts during which we read through the and culture, and entire issue of Imfama, correcting sport and grammar, refining language, and recreation.double checking facts where this

A fixed routine seems necessary. We also decide on such as this runs the order of the articles and discuss

the risk of repetitious available pictures. reporting and so

At this point Lilla Fourie, a past staff I, as editor,

member contracted for the task, assisted by the

attends to the layout and advises on team, keep on

the selection of photographs. Finally, the lookout

the magazine is sent to the printer. A for unusual

second copy is sent to Braille stories or

Services for transcription and a third unexpected

imfama 50 years

Reflections over the past five decades, on the In the past eight decades, Council has held

achievements of Imfama and of the South thirty nine biennial conferences, in all nine

African National Council for the Blind have provinces and the 40th Biennial Conference will

become synonymous. Dr. William Rowland, the take place in Kimberley, Northern Cape from 20

current editor of Imfama, in this year's first to 22 October 2011. These biennial conferences,

edition, highlighted some of the articles known as the Blind Parliament, draft the

captured in his editorial piece and will give national strategic agenda for the subsequent

greater reflections in the coming editions. two years.

Advocate Lucky Bokaba, the current National The growth, development and transformation of Chairperson and Mr. Jace Nair, the National Council was captured in the golden jubilee Executive Director, lead Council - commemoration of Council in the book, SA together with the National Council for the Blind 1929 – 1979: 50 National Executive Years of Service, by V. H. Vaughan The next Committee, the nine decade was reflected in the Diamond Jubilee Provincial Executive Celebration The Diamond Years. The Story of Committees and the South African National Council for the Blind staff - supporting the 1979 - 1989 and the publication of Hazel principles of Marshall's Remembering our Pioneers published devolution, on the occasion of Council's 75th anniversary. transparency, Mrs. Marshall is in the process of updating the accountability, years beyond the last publication of the accessibility diamond jubilee years. and

My emphasis will be on the transformation in affordability

governance, management and services over the of services.

past eight decades - highlighting some of the Council is

important developments. moving

NATIO

NAL E

XECU

TIVE D

IREC

TOR

from

the

des

k of

the

From the desk of the NED

dispatched to Tape Aids for recording and many individuals who do the writing in and

the fourth to the SA Library for the Blind to outside of Council. While we try to bring

be converted into Daisy format. Two new talent on board from time to time, we

electronic versions are also prepared, one are heavily reliant on our regular authors

being full-length and the other referring who repeatedly and over many years have

readers to websites where the full articles served us well with imaginative stories and

are available. vivid reporting. Hopefully the result is a

magazine valued by our readers that brings It would be remiss of me in an editorial

new insights, and occasionally, even such as this not to acknowledge the

entertains.immense contribution of my co-workers,

among whom are some very talented young

people at Council, several old hands, and WILLIAM ROWLAND

5

2011 issue 2

6

NATIONAL EXECUTIVE DIRECTORfrom the desk of the

micro enterprise initiatives. Most of these

member organisations are located in the

metropolitan municipalities, urban and

away from direct service provision towards peri-urban areas.

the original objectives of national The National Skills Audit undertaken

coordination and advocacy. The current recently, reveals that member

NEC is more reflective of the organisations require:

demographics in terms of race and

disability with the need to improve gender Support in becoming sustainable and

equity in the coming years. relevant to the needs of blind and

partially sighted persons;Service delivery within Council is

underpinned by the strategic focal areas Capacity building in terms of soliciting

of: funds and donations in kind such as:

office furniture, IT and electronic Blindness prevention and the

equipment and access to email and restoration of sight through the Bureau

internet;for the Prevention of Blindness;

Capacity building with regard to ECD, ABET, general education and

training in good governance, record higher education by the Education and

management, financial management, Training Division;

direct service delivery areas in staff

Social development initiatives in the professional development; and

community and individual Identification of gaps and duplication

empowerment, vocational training and of services to ensure equitable access

employment placements.to services throughout the country.

Advocacy was, and still remains, one of The next decade may transform service

the most important services undertaken delivery making it more accessible and

by Council. A number of campaigns affordable, strengthening capacity building

implemented over the past eight decades of member organisations, greater

have been strengthened and re-initiated involvement in the national agenda on

including: disabilities in South Africa and greater

Access to education, housing, involvement in continental and

transport, health and employment; international affairs.

Access to information, radio, TV - Imfama, in the coming years, will need to

audio description; and reflect the changing times and

transformation that has taken place at Access to a secret vote in national,

Council and the articles and features will provincial and local government

have to reflect this new dawn.elections.

One hundred and three member

organisations comprise Council, of these;

approximately thirty percent are small and

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J Jace Nair

imfama 50 years

FEAT

URES

7

By Shakira Hoosain

Helen Keller

Sixty years ago, this the racial stratifications

year, Helen Keller of South Africa at the

visited South Africa as time, show an

a stop on her world understanding of the

tour. Not only did the unfair situation which

plight of the poor and the existed. Perhaps the lasting

condition of the blind and image one takes from both

deaf in South Africa astound Blaxall's accounts and Keller's is

her, but the sheer goodwill of that very little has changed for blind

South Africans towards helping people and deaf people in South Africa. Under-

did too. funded schools, subsisting on the enthusiasm

and love of the teachers for their pupils are still Arthur William Blaxall writes a sensitive and

a challenge in South Africa. Of particular simply written account of Helen Keller: Under

interest is Keller's special mention that Council the Southern Cross, of which Council's library

included welfare groupings from all race groups has a copy. The poetic descriptions Blaxall

as “…the South African National Council for the provides of Keller's visit and her commitment to

Blind, which includes the bureau for preventing devoting her life to the uplifting of deaf and

blindness, and co-operates with the Society for blind people are not only remarkably elegant,

the Care of non-European Blind, and the but also quaintly contextual to the 1950s.

Coloured and Indian Blind Welfare Association.”

The book is divided into two parts and is It was also during this two-month tour of South

opened with a foreword by Alan Paton. In the Africa that Wits University conferred on Keller

first part, Blaxall provides commentary from his an Honorary Doctorate. Keller herself was not

side, on the magnitude and scope of the visit as without academic distinction and knew Latin,

well as his impressions of Keller and some of French, Greek and German.

the ideas which she expressed about South

Africa to him. The second half focuses Written before Blaxall went into exile under the

exclusively on Keller's own impressions and Suppression of Communism Act, Blaxall makes

thoughts on her trip to South Africa. Helen mention of Keller's inclusivity to all race groups

Keller's deeply philosophical thoughts pepper and how she advocated for a single, humanist

the accounts of her travels. Her observations on approach towards dealing with people with

2011 issue 2

8

imfama 50 years

FEATURESdisabilities. Rightly, Blaxall calls Keller “the mystery, out of the Unknown”.

Apostle of Human Relations”.It is with much gratitude that the South African

Helen Keller: Under the Southern Cross by National Council for the Blind makes mention of

Arthur William Blaxall was published by Juta in this book in the anniversary issue of Imfama to

1952 and the title takes its meaning from commemorate the work of both Keller and

Keller's description of the African sky as “…one Blaxall in helping blind people in South Africa by

vast field of stars…, and brightest of all was the highlighting the plight of the lack of support and

Southern Cross. I love the Southern Cross giving a voice to the services available to people

particularly, because it symbolizes to my fancy to help them succeed despite adversity and

consciousness radiating out of darkness, out of challenges faced.

Helen Keller‘s

in South AfricaEvery fibre within me revolts against

circumstances that threaten the minds

of handicapped human beings and

narrows their chances of well-being.

Again and again, I have witnessed the

failure of society to redeem the blind

and the deaf simply because of racial

prejudice. An offence against

humanitarianism which life never

forgives.

Uncompromisingly, I am at war with any

system, social, political or educational,

that shackles or defies or distorts the

handicapped... The touchstone of any

regime is the men and women it shapes.

If any procedure stultifies them, it is

bad; if it injures their character, it is

rotten; if it harms their souls, it is

criminal.

Helen Keller, from Helen Keller: Under

the Southern Cross.

Hellen Keller lost her sight and

hearing at 19 months and went on

to become an equal-rights activist,

world-renowned goodwill

ambassador, an advocate for the

blind and a socialist.

travels

9

FEAT

URES

2011 issue 2

Keller was invited to South via whom she communicated,

Africa by Rev. Arthur William arrived in Cape Town aboard

Blaxall representing the South the Pretoria Castle on March 15,

African National Council for the 1951. In Cape Town, Keller

Blind and the National Council gave speeches and visited

for the Deaf. Blaxall institutions working with the

subsequently wrote up a record deaf and blind. A teacher who

of her trip, Helen Keller: Under refused to attend a meeting

the Southern Cross, to which between Keller and some school

Keller contributed her own children when he found it was a

account, describing her visit as case of whites first and

“unique among my travel nonwhites second, subsequently

experiences”. wrote her a letter observing

that he believed this had been Keller's trip was intended to

done without consulting her [it raise funds and awareness

had]. Keller responded: “How regarding the deaf and blind of

all my instincts cried against all races in South Africa, and

discrimination, and how she was well aware that a

fervently I prayed for a time country three years into

when the various races of Africa apartheid, since the National

would take an equal share in Party came to power in 1948,

the welfare and happiness of posed challenges for her.

the handicapped”.

“All my life I had acted upon the During her journey, Keller was

conviction that humanity must always alert to the separation of

be one... but how could I count the races. “I observed that

with certainty on gratifying segregation was practised

results in a country like South everywhere in schools and

Africa, divided against itself??”colleges. The one noble

Keller was clearly apprehensive exception I came across was

about what might lie ahead: “A the admission of white and non-

spur to my courage was reading white to the University of the

Gandhi's autobiography and Witwatersrand, but I have since

Gandhi at Work... both in heard the same pertains at

braille. Gandhi knew well the Cape Town University.”

problems of South Africa and From Cape Town she went to

the sturdy philosophy and the Grahamstown and then to East

fraternal love that infuses these London where the “most

extraordinarily inspiring books exciting event for me was the

braced me for the peculiar opening of a community centre

difficulties I was to encounter.”at Duncan Village where the

Keller, together with her friend first item on the agenda was

and companion Polly Thomson the singing of the Bantu

The exhibition, Helen Keller: A

Daring Adventure, mounted

by the American Foundation

for the Blind(AFB) in New

York, features items Keller

received during the trip and

on others made to various

countries.

A Zulu shield was presented

to her during her visit to

South Africa in 1951.

10

FEATURES

imfama 50 years

National Anthem: Nkosi impressions I have had of the

Sikelele iAfrika. From East many countries I have visited.

London she flew by plane to It is mainly an impression of a

Durban. vast, deep, lonely feeling in

my heart that South Africa is Shortly after her arrival on

enfolding me.”April 13, she was interviewed

by a reporter from the Natal Speaking at the Durban City

Mercury who described how Hall, Keller told the story of

Keller answered questions. her victory over blindness and

“Miss Thomson conveyed the deafness and speechlessness

words to Miss Keller either by which so enthralled the

holding her hand and going audience of 2 000 that at the

through a sign language end of the meeting, hundreds

almost as rapid as ordinary thronged the foyer to shake

speech; or by holding Miss her hand and some later gate

Keller's hand to her own crashed the Mayor's private

mouth so that Miss Keller reception to be introduced.

could 'read' the words as they Fourteen-year-old Dawn

were mouthed.”Mansell was so inspired by

She told the Mercury that her Keller's appeal for help for

impression of South Africa: “is those like her that she had her

very different from any mother take her home and

Cover of the book written by

Dr Arthur Blaxall on Helen

Keller and her visit to South

Africa in 1951, Helen Keller:

Under the Southern Cross

Photo taken during Helen Keller’s visit to South Africa in 1951. Ltr: D J van Wijk, General Secretary of

the SANCB, Mrs T Besaans, President of the Pretoria Civilian Blind Society, Helen Keller, Polly Thomson,

Rev Dr Arthur Blaxall. Stephen Wentworth, then Head of the Bureau for the Prevention of Blindness of

the SANCB is in the background

11

FEAT

URES

2011 issue 2

collect her expensive walkie- Zondi. A permit for 'Entry on to

talkie doll. Returning to the city land in Scheduled Native

hall, she presented her Areas', in this case Zwartkop

precious toy to Miss Keller in Location, was issued by the

the hope that it could be sold Chief Native Commissioner and

and the money used for the was valid for two days, April 19

blind and deaf. Keller said: “It or April 20.

is the most touching gift I've While she was in Pietermaritz-

ever had. The doll came right burg, Keller also met Albert

from the little girl's heart.Mason, who had been blinded

On April 19,Keller spoke at the during World War 1, and was

Pietermaritzburg City Hall then Old Bill, head of Allan

where, on her arrival, she was Wilson Shellhole.

given a posy of flowers. From Pietermaritzburg, Keller

According to The Natal Witness, was driven to Johannesburg:

the blooms were specially “It was the city I had imagined

selected so that Miss Keller in reading Cry, the Beloved

could appreciate them to the Country: young, hard-driving,

full. When Miss Keller spoke unattractive, built, as it were,

later she continually buried her on gold.” However, Keller

nose in the flowers:sensed “something mightier

A bird of paradise, and then a than greed or lust of power: a

gardenia as she recognised spirit that will ultimately

each flower from its scent. transform it into a city of

“When I first entered beauty, harmony and justice for

Maritzburg, the one thing of its people of all races and

which I was most aware was its faiths.”

fragrance, but I had no idea Alan Paton, the author of Cry,

how rich and varied it was,” she the Beloved Country, would

said.later read Keller's account of

The next day Keller was at a her visit and provide the

garden party at Parkside given foreword to Blaxall's book. It

by the administrator of Natal, was during Keller's visit to

Dennis Shepstone, and in the Alexandra township outside

afternoon she visited Inkosi Johannesburg that she was

Bhekizizwe Zondi in Sweet presented with the Zulu shield

waters, the grandfather of the displayed in the New York

current inkosi, Nsikayezwe exhibition.

Her remarkable story was told

in the play The Miracle Worker

by William Gibson, which was

subsequently turned into the

1962 film starring Patty Duke

as Keller and Anne Bancroft as

Anne Sullivan, the teacher

who enabled Keller to break

out of her dark and silent

world. Here she is talking on

set to the actress Patty Duke

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FEATURES

imfama 50 years

It was given to her by the Service Committee of Alexandra Township

and the citation says Keller was given the shield, along with two

assegaais and a staff, “As a token of our deep gratitude for your

expressed interest in the Non-European peoples of this country who live

in silence and in darkness. In our tribal custom a shield, two assegaais

and a staff is the equipment of a brave warrior and that is how we think

of you.”

Earlier, on April 15 in Durban, Keller had been given another shield when

she attended a dancing display at the Lever Brothers factory gardens.

This shield, held by the AFB, is not the one on the exhibition.

Keller went on to visit Bloemfontein, Kimberley, Pretoria and Southern

Rhodesia, with a short holiday in the Kruger National Park. She returned

briefly to Johannesburg where, on May 18, Wits awarded her an

honorary doctorate.

“It made me especially proud to receive this beautiful gesture because

[Wits] has a splendid record of admitting students to its halls of

learning, regardless of race and colour or nationality.”

Shortly afterwards, Keller flew to Cape Town, sailing for the United

States aboard the African Endeavour on May 22.

During her visit to South Africa Keller visited 28 schools, addressed 48

meetings and receptions attended by about 50 000 people.

At one meeting, Blaxall says she was given the Zulu name Nomvuselelo

meaning “You have aroused the consciences of many.”

A big thank you

to Helen

Selsdon,

archivist at the

AFB's

information

centre, who sent

a detailed

response to an

email inquiry

about the Keller

exhibition. The

archive holds

four folders full

of fascinating

documentation

surrounding

Keller's trip, as

well as

correspondence

between Blaxall

and Keller.

She was given the name

Nomvuselelo meaning you have

aroused the consciences of many.

13

FEAT

URES

2011 issue 2

OUR RIGHT TO a secret ballot The South African

National Council for the

Blind supports the

inclusion of blind voters

and emphasizes their

right to vote in privacy.

We believe in the

participation of all South

Africans in an active,

functioning democracy

and we believe that a

solution needs to be

developed to ensure that

blind and partially sighted

people are allowed the

same rights and dignities

which sighted citizens are

granted.

Honorary Vice-President of the SA National Council for the Blind, Mrs

Hazel Marshall was delighted with the tactile template’s ease of use

Therefore Council endeavoured to give visually impaired South

Africans the opportunity to have a truly secret vote in the May

2011 local government elections. We started years in advance

with the planning and designing of various options to make this

possible.

A task team, consisting of knowledgeable persons from Council's

NEC, member organisations and staff, were appointed and they

developed various prototype solutions. Some of the challenges

faced by the task team were the fact that no two ballot papers

would look the same – the political parties and candidates would

differ for each voting district – even the length of the ballot paper

would differ largely. The ballot papers could also not be made

tactile themselves, as that would take away the secrecy –

everyone would know which ballot paper is the blind person's. The

task team also had to take the low literacy level into consideration

- less than 5% of visually impaired South Africans are braille

literate.

In all of this Council acted as advisor, as the final responsibility

and mandate for all voting lay with the IEC.

By Lindie van Zyl

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FEATURES

imfama 50 years

The planned solution rolled out, covering

three aspects:

The tactile template

Observing on Election Day

Voter education

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impaired people (fieldworkers) from all nine

provinces. The programme was coordinated at

The development and manufacture of a our national head office in Pretoria and the

tactile template training of trainers was done by Council's Master

Planning and executing voter education for Trainer, Mrs. Rose Mkhunjulwa. The programme

visually impaired voters was implemented country-wide by fieldworkers

Observing on election day who worked closely with IEC officials in various

provinces and districts to ensure the success of

the programme.

Council carried out an extensive research project In terms of accessible materials, we had Braille,

to investigate the best options for supplying audio and large print documents available for

visually impaired persons with the tools and the training.

skills to vote as independently and secretly as

possible, regardless of the persons' literacy The 120 fieldworkers went out and trained

levels. The development of the template was visually impaired voters. Due to the late start of

lead by Mrs. Hazel Marshall, who experimented the training and rollout of the Voter Education

with various solutions to the challenges - testing Programme, they focused on the following

and improving as she went along. During the communities: special schools, self help groups,

research project the task team managed to member organisations, old age homes,

connect with the Canadian voting authority hospitals, clinics and SASSA offices within their

(Elections Canada) and secured a sample of the communities.

template that visually impaired Canadians use

during their elections. The template was viewed

and tested by our task team and they decided to The SA National Council for the Blind was an

incorporate some of its features, together with accredited observer at the Local Government

the features from Mrs. Marshall's prototype, into Elections of 2011 and had observers in all nine

a final product. A set of guidelines for the provinces on Election Day, 18 May 2011. The

template was then presented to the IEC who observers (NEC members, persons involved with

were responsible for the manufacture and member organisations and staff members)

distribution of the actual template. visited polling stations throughout the country.

Jace Nair, Council's National Executive Director,

conducted a preliminary investigation and During the task team's negotiations with the

concluded that the availability of the template IEC, it became clear that just supplying a

was somewhat erratic. Some areas had the template would not be enough. Blind people

templates more readily available than others. would have to be trained in the use of the

We are however mindful that the use of the template.

template is a new development, so some

Council was selected to perform the training, logistical teething problems were bound to

funded by the IEC, which was intended to occur. The major grievance we have

educate and empower visually impaired people encountered, or the most complaints the blind

about voting and registration processes. From sector has received and made, thus far, has

21 to 23 February, Council hosted a workshop been that the IEC staff and station officials were

that was attended by approximately 120 visually not made aware of the template. Also, when the

template was available many of the IEC staff had

no knowledge of how to use it or how to

demonstrate it to blind and partially sighted

users.

It is, however, clear that the IEC was not able to

deliver/distribute the tactile template to all

polling stations. The majority of electoral staff

lacked information and training in the use of the

tactile template. Some electoral staff felt that

blind and partially sighted voters should be

assisted in making their cross and could not see

the need for the “secret vote”. A number of blind

and partially sighted voters enjoyed the

experience of using the tactile template and

having the secret vote whilst the majority of It seems as though some areas have had a

them were very disappointed in not having the greater availability than others. We are however

tactile template. Many media outlets and mindful that this is the first time the template

agencies kept on referring to the tactile template has been in use, so some logistical teething

as “Braille Ballot Paper” which it certainly was problems were bound to occur. The major

not and this may have lead to some blind and grievance we have encountered has been that

partially sighted voters not voting fearing that the IEC staff and station officials were not made

their vote may be easily recognised.aware of the template. Also, when the template

However, the South African National Council for was available, many of the staff had no

the Blind once more commends the IEC on knowledge of how to use it or how to

taking strides towards greater inclusivity of all demonstrate it to blind and partially sighted

South Africans into the democratic process users.

regardless of their challenges. We hope that the It is however clear that the IEC was not able to

2014 national elections will continue to build on deliver/distribute the Tactile Template to all

the successes of these elections and the IEC polling stations. Some IEC – electoral staff felt

addresses the challenges faced for a smoother that blind and partially sighted voters should be

process at the next polling day.assisted in making their cross and could not see

the need for the “secret vote”. A number of blind

and partially sighted voters enjoyed the

experience of using the tactile template and

having the secret vote whilst the majority of

them were very disappointed in not having the

tactile template.

Some recommendations which we have that

could be implemented for future elections

include:

Standardisation of the order of candidates on

the ballot. We recom-mend that they be

=

15

FEAT

URES

2011 issue 2

Blind voting observer Cathy Donaldson explaining

the use of the template to officials at the polling station

Extract from the

South African

National Council for

the Blind's Local

Government Elections

2011 National

Observers' Report to

the IEC

16

FEATURES

progress

imfama 50 years

I pondered for a long time about the exact content of this article. We wanted to

do something special for our golden jubilee year to show the progress of Imfama.

We wanted to do it from a different angle other than the previous articles which

have captured the history and evolution of Imfama. When I read the letter by Dr.

Louis van Schalkwijk, Council's Chairperson at the time the very first Imfama was

printed in September 1961, I realised that we needed to follow his guidance.

He described the function of Imfama as (translated from the original Afrikaans)

“Every welfare organisation in our and other countries, has a magazine that

informs interested parties about the functions of the organisation and its affiliated

associations…”; “… the magazine is the only effective way in which to spread

knowledge about the work of the organisation and to promote the togetherness of

the participating organisations.” and “…the new magazine form will not only

enhance its visual appeal and readability, but it will also serve as proof of the

ever increasing progress in our service to the blind.”

We feel that we definitely use Imfama to tell stakeholders about our work and we

feature our member organisations to make sure that the important work they do,

mapping our

By Lindie van Zyl

listed in alphabetical order according to the

parties. For once I did not experience any issues at an

Conducting a survey amongst people with Alberton polling station. They had a template

low vision to find out how they felt about the and I used it. Other blind people in the group

colour contrasts and use of the template. used the sighted help that came with us. I was

Preliminary enquiries seem to indicate a surprised to see what a thick, sturdy thing it is.

positive response from this group too. Anyway, they just gave me the template and left

Avoiding the practise of having the blind me and my sighted help to our own devices. I

person rely on the IEC official to read the needed the sighted help to get the ballot papers

candidate list. Rather a recorded reading of lined up correctly and then drew my crosses in

the list indicating the number on the ballot private.

and the corresponding party must be made All went very quickly. We were in, voted and out

available at each station.again. For some reason at this polling station

they let blind people jump the queue, not that I

would have minded to wait my turn, but let a

blind man not look a gift horse in the mouth …

=

=

Blind voter Christo de Klerk, Chairperson

of Braille SA commented on the voting

process:

“

“

17

FEAT

URES

2011 issue 2

is also publicised. So let's see how well we have advertisements of the 'new books on tape' and

done over the years in measuring up to the the useful tape recorders with pictures showing

promises we made in the first edition to prove a tape recorder bigger that a desktop pc with

our commitment to progress with services to two moving spools on top. Not considered high

blind people with the main issues addressed in technology these days, but certainly a pioneer

the first issues of Imfama. for access for information back then, none the

less.

One of the features of Imfama – in contrast with

its predecessor, The Newsletter, is that it was Both Mr. van Schalkwijk and the first Editor of

produced in print format (as opposed to the Imfama, Dr. Walter Cowen, (whose name is

Roneo format of The Newsletter – Roneo is a curiously omitted from the first issue) refer to

rotary duplicator that uses a stencil through the inclusion of international news into the

which ink is pressed). Dr. van Schalkwijk publication. We still honour this practice and we

promised that the organisation would do its not only have a regular international news

utmost best to produce Imfama in braille - “so section, but also have articles in the technology

that our blind friends can read it themselves and and features sections that deal with international

not be dependent on others”. Even in those advances and happenings. We want to

days, cost was the reason for not providing this continuously inform our readers about what is

option before. Luckily today we can report that happening in their world – especially since the

we not only produce Imfama in print and braille, world has become a global village. We, as the

but also make it available in Daisy format, on leaders in Africa, cannot be left behind.

tape and in electronic (html and .txt) formats.

With pride, I would like to add that the printed

version has improved in appearance to keep up The first edition features many snippets and an

with the times and new available technology – it article about trachoma and Council's Bureau for

is now very attractive visually and printed in full the Prevention of Blindness' trachoma research

colour as opposed to the black and white, work and their “major anti-trachoma mass

'newspaper look' of the early editions. treatment project”. It quotes the following

statistic: “The trachoma research unit has Dr. van Schalkwijk alluded to the fact that

established the disturbing and unsuspected fact Council, and him in person, were lobbying for

that between 10% and 40% of the natives in the the availability of reading material for blind

townships of Johannesburg are infected with persons. Although Council and its members have

trachoma.” made great strides over the past 50 years,

access to information is still a very relevant topic Trachoma is the result of infection of the eye

and the discussions at WIPO (World Intellectual with Chlamydia trachomatis. The infection

Property Organisation) are still underway with spreads from person to person, especially where

our current National Executive Director, Jace there are shortages of water, numerous flies,

Nair, in the centre of the fight as a World Blind and crowded living conditions. If left untreated,

Union representative at WIPO. The objective is a the infection eventually causes the eyelid to turn

treaty which will allow the sharing of copyright inwards, which in turn causes the eyelashes to

materials across international borders. rub on the eyeball, resulting in intense pain and

scarring of the front of the eye. This ultimately Issue 1 of Imfama featured articles and

Available formats and accessibility

National versus international news

Trachoma

18

FEATURES

imfama 50 years

A Message from our President Miss J E Wood, that grand little lady who has ensured the provision of reading matter for the blind people of South Africa for so many many years, and whose name is a household word among blind people as honorary secretary of the S.A. Library for the Blind, Grahamstown, is the respected President of the S.A. National Council for the Blind. It is therefore with pleasure that we print hereunder a message form our President on the occasion of the first issue of “Imfama.”

As President of the S.A. National Council for the Blind, I welcome this new printed magazine “Imfama” which will provide photographs, news items and articles of local and worldwide interest about things concerning the blind.

The Editor of “The Newsletter” has done such wonderful work and I wish him all success in this new venture. It has been a great help to us in the Library to get news of our readers and of other Societies and we are very grateful for this help.

We are looking forward to this first number of “Imfama.”

Good luck !

Yours sincerely,

J.E. WOOD (Miss)

We would like to open a column wherein our readers may give expression to their views on any aspect of blind welfare, but this will only be possible if our readers summon up the energy to write to our Editor.

We have chosen the name “Imfama” for our magazine because it is the Xhosa word for a blind person; because it is trilingual, which is just as well in a country where there are so many languages; because in the field of blind welfare we pay as much attention to the plight or the blind native as we do that of the blind European; because it is a short word, easily pronounced and easily remembered; finally, because we like the name, and we hope you do too.

Imfama’s

Imfama’s first editor

Dr Walter Cohen

The first cover of Imfama Vol. 1 No.1

first edition September 1961

It was a 24-page publication in A5 format closely

set in a small 8pt font

Imfama’s first message from

the SANCB President

The title Imfama for the first time

firsts

19

FEAT

URES

2011 issue 2

leads to irreversible blindness, typically

between 30 and 40 years of age. An article by Miss E. Geyer – Rehabilitation

According to a report by the Department of Officer stresses the importance of starting

Health in March 2005, there are very few with rehabilitation as soon as possible after a

reported cases of trachoma in South Africa person has lost their vision. Mention is also

these days, mostly due to better hygiene made of organisations having their own social

standards and availability of running water. workers – a luxury that is very scarce these

We are sure that the Bureau's work made a days. With rehabilitation having been moved

major impact as well! The Bureau does not to the person's own community, it is much

focus on eliminating trachoma any longer, more focussed on individual circumstances

although they keep a watchful eye whenever than the old institutional model.

they have outreach tours and screen people's Rehabilitation is one of the areas Council and

eyes. its members feel very strongly about. Council

now has community based rehabilitation

projects in three provinces and is doing its

utmost to expand it so that it can be There are some strange terms that were used

deployed in all nine provinces. which are seen as derogatory these days. It

feels so out of place to read them in a

magazine about blindness. Things like the

new Geluk vir die Gebreklikes (directly The first editions of Imfama made a couple of

translated as Joy for the Deformed) mentions of the blind and partially sighted

organisation. And reference to disabled students who were studying physiotherapy in

people like: “handicapped persons…cripples, London. It was very exciting news in those

epileptics, mental defectives….deaf and days, although it is mentioned that the

dumb”. These are all terms that make the students faced difficulties with adapting to

hair at the back of your neck stand up today. the different circumstances of a strange

One tends to wonder if the current terms will country and the language barrier as students

fall so badly on the ears of the Imfama had to study in English. These days we are

readers of 2061 as well. very fortunate that visually impaired students

can study physiotherapy locally at the

University of the Western Cape – which we

featured in Imfama recently. Articles include information about Helen

Keller and a play about her and Anne Sullivan

The Miracle Worker that toured South Africa.

You can read through our section on Helen So all in all, it seems that Imfama truly

Keller and her tour to South Africa. Issue 1 serves as proof of the ever increasing

also featured an article about the Louis Braille progress in our service to blind persons. We

museum in Coupvray that was newly idealistically hope that in another 50 years,

established. The museum was recently very all of the issues we currently report on will

prominent again as festivities were held have been resolved and Imfama will serve

there, on the Bicentenary of Louis Braille's only to report on the creative ways in which

birth on 4 January 2009, which were covered the obstacles have been overcome.

by Imfama.

Rehabilitation

Inappropriate terms

Physiotherapy studies

Internationally acclaimed blind persons

Conclusion

20

LOCAL NEWS

imfama 50 years

Friday 10th September Ah at last, a chance to reveal my arsenal

and defences. Now I can show that I am 15:45 My business complete, my client no helpless sap sitting prone on the side has dropped me off at the same Gautrain of the road. I consider revealing that in bus stop outside Monte Casino where he fact Barklee is a black belt ninja guide collected me. Although somewhat dog that would not only defend me but apprehensive about exactly when the bus vivisect any attacker. But the potential will arrive, I am nevertheless confident humility of this myth being unearthed at that the return trip will be just as smooth the worst possible time prevents me from and seamless. Gautrain assures their bus saying this. All I manage is lamely passengers, that traffic allowing, buses mumbling that he is not really dangerous, will arrive at their various bus stops every but would probably defend me if 20 odd minutes and every 12 minutes at necessary. Here I need to point out that peak times. Given that this was a Friday as much as I adore Barklee, the fact is afternoon, 15.45 pretty much heralded that he is more Omega than Alpha and I peak hour. So I patiently stood waiting for honestly would not bet the farm on his the bus, confident in the belief that it intervening in any way if I were to be set would be around in a maximum of 20 upon.minutes.

16.27 The voice turned out to be a jolly 16:00 Oh well it is Friday and the traffic is

and garrulous Zambian taxi driver called no doubt hectic between Sandton and

William. William, it emerges, apart from Fourways.

chatting about everything from the value

of the Rand, to the weather and the price 16.20 Still no bus. Patience aside, I

of dog food, really wanted to solicit my cannot help feeling increasingly

custom for his taxi. It turned out, that he vulnerable waiting on the side of the road,

had a dead certain tip that there were no carrying a Laptop in my bag, cell phone,

Gautrain buses running today due to a wallet, etc. (one hears things about

strike. I of course defended Gautrain to Jo'burg crime when living in Cape Town,

the hilt citing my terrific experience a few as if we are strangers to it ourselves).

days before. 16.25 I am just considering hiding my

16.35 Presently we were joined by laptop in my shoe, and swallowing my cell

Arnold, a 60 something promoter of phone, to present a less appealing target,

expensive mattresses. He catches the bus when the voice suddenly emerges from

daily back to Sandton where he parks his the murk of my remaining vision. “You

car, and the conversation broadened to have a nice dog,” it says “he is so big.” “Is

encompass global warming and COSATU.he dangerous?” it says.

There and back again: a short South African public transport odyssey

Part Two

by Jeremy Opperman

Part one of

this

captivating

odyssey was

featured in

the first issue

of this year.

Now read

about the

eventful

return trip

21

LOCA

L NEW

S

2011 issue 2

16.45 Still no bus, being a veteran traveller, arriving, is now seeing dollar signs, and is

particularly one who always has to depend on calculating how he is to get 7 people and a

others; I have built in my customary padding of large dog into his 3 series BMW still hopefully

time. I am rather proud of this, as in over 350 parked just by the bus stop.

flights, I have never been late or missed one 17:15 T minus 100 minutes, anxiety is now

yet. I am conscious that my flight leaves at returning palpably. Arnold is texting his wife to

18:55 leaving me with 130 minutes to get from assure her that he is not testing out his

Fourways to the airport via two forms of public expensive mattresses. William is growing

transport; and I am standing here with a despondent at our tenacious faith in Gautrain,

cheerfully verbose taxi driver and a gloomy and I am considering the awful reality that I

salesman outside a casino on a busy may just miss my flight. What are the chances

Johannesburg highway with not many options of getting onto another flight on a Friday? Could

open to me. my credit card sustain another hit right now?

16:50 And T minus 125 minutes, we have now Even the foursome is showing signs of

been joined by a group of wonderful restlessness, only Barklee seems oblivious of

cosmopolitan texture. As an equity practitioner the potential drama.

I am always moved by natural and 17:25 T minus 90 minutes, still no bus. unpretentious diversity. We meet Craig - However, the resourceful Nirvesh has once perhaps early 30's returning to SA after 8 years again come up with the vital gem, that a bus away, with his Scandinavian wife, completely left the Sandton terminal at 17:15 and should confident about relocating to SA and picking up not be long now. Only William shows signs of a new life from scratch. His sister Sarah, a disappointment.sunny and unflappable 28 year old Airline pilot

and her cerebral, but funny, Indian fiancé 17:35 T minus 70 minutes, at last the bus, with Nirvesh - also an airline pilot, make up this an inexplicably happy and courteous driver. delightful foursome. Most importantly they Relief at the undeniable step forward, but will it come with vital data, irrefutable information get me there on time? I force myself to engage they have somehow gleaned, that indeed and enjoy the ongoing conversation, but the Gautrain is experiencing a strike at this mood of all has changed to one of grim moment. In addition it is disclosed that determination to get Barklee and I on to the Gautrain has said that instead of buses coming train as soon as possible. every 20 minutes, they will be arriving

18:10 T minus 45 minutes, flanked by my loyal approximately every hour. Some relief with this

commando including the surprisingly spry knowledge after all, I have been here for just

Arnold, who forgoes his wife's suspicions and over an hour, so surely that means that a bus

insists on accompanying us to the gates of the must be imminent?

station, we dog trot from the bus on a 17:00 T minus 115 minutes, anxiety receding

bewildering maze of pathways, escalators, and with the warmth of the chattering group, and

elevators to Gautrain, which we pray will be the knowledge that I am not alone in any sense

waiting at the platform. in this experience. Of course Barklee

18:15 T minus 40 minutes it is. The wonderful shamelessly hurls himself at the unfettered

foursome also needs to catch the train as they attention. William, the taxi driver is still cheerily

live near Rhodesfield station, just before the pessimistic about the Gautrain bus ever

22

LOCAL NEWS

imfama 50 years

Airport. This helps to facilitate my finding the guard complies and we are off again.

right carriage and getting on the train. Also it 18:33 T minus 22 minutes, David shows sign of

means saying goodbye to my now firm friends, a creaking confidence for the first time, when

as they have to get on another carriage as they he discloses that he has absolutely no idea

will be getting off before the airport.where to go. We encounter a surprising number

of people in the same boat, although none of 18:17 T minus 38 minutes, we are off! Damn

them quite as anxious as ourselves.this train is great, so quiet and smooth it is

hard to know which direction one is going. The 18:35 T minus 20 minutes, at last we seem to

incongruous mixture of tension and relief that be getting somewhere, at least we appear to be

we are yet again making another step toward on the right floor. Still no sign of local airline

boarding in 38 minutes to take off! When will check in desks, let alone Mango, when David

they close the gates? How will I get from the suddenly lunges at something to his left causing

train terminal to Departures and find Mango's the three of us and his huge suitcase to get

check in counter? Barklee, unperturbed as somewhat mixed up, it turns out to be

usual, has made a new friend and I hatch my something he recognises is an automatic check

instantly formed plan. I shamelessly, accost in terminal. Of course I have never encountered

'him' with my predicament. He turns out to be one of these, always opting for counter service,

David, a 50-something British business and anyway, knowing that I could not use it, as

traveller. In a lugubrious Oxbridge drawl he it is utterly inaccessible to a blind passenger.

assures me that he will ensure that I get to the However, this one, and perhaps they all, come

Mango check in counter on time. with a living breathing person! He assures me

that I will be able to check in on this machine. 18:27 T minus 28 minutes, just left Rhodesfield

All he requires is my flight reference number. station, only a couple of minutes to O.R Tambo,

They both look at me expectantly as if I would outwardly grateful to David for his kind offer,

have this information somehow on hand. In fact but inwardly dubious whether this languid and

I rarely do as a rule, usually just thrusting my genteel man can keep up, and especially since

ID and the flight time at the check in personnel he has the biggest suitcase on wheels I have

and trusting in the system. However, in this ever seen - which is partially blocking our little

case, with the last vestiges of cerebral energy I compartment.

remembered that I had inexplicably put the 18:30 T minus 25 minutes, I need not have reference number into my cell phone, worried, David effortlessly strides alongside something I have never done before. Suitably Barklee and I, with Barklee sensing the tension impressed at my experienced forethought, and picking up the pace and David seems David bids me farewell, and strides off always to be in the lead and in control. At the outwardly Sloanish and confident, but I suspect last swipe point, my trusted gold card fails me, inwardly a bit more frazzled. and refuses to be coaxed into responding when

18:38 T minus 17 minutes. Last lap. I need to swiped. I have all but given up - I am destined

find and get through security now, but still have to remain stuck on the wrong side of a glass

no idea where I am. I think a short note here is barrier it seems. David, however, in a friendly

in order; no amount of good access can but dangerous tone, informs the guards that I

substitute for good service. Service is the am about to miss my flight and could they

ultimate currency in ensuring easy and please open the gate for me. Without delay, the

23

2011 issue 2

seamless access, particularly, but not have no idea, but he somehow screeched right

exclusively, for blind people. Lucky provided into D level, scorched a path weaving in and

this service, who, abandoned his machine out of fellow passengers , me passively and

without hesitation and took me to security exhaustedly in tow, hung a left, all on his own,

where I habitually regret owning and travelling and skidded to a halt in front of a counter. I had

with a Laptop. Lug it out, throw all offending stopped paying attention about 60 metres back,

items into my bag, go through the metal and dazedly asked no one in particular; “can

detector, set it off as usual, probably Barklee's someone tell me where D3 is?”

harness, get frisked although with some “Right here”; said a voice.

circumspection as Barklee is still attached to my

hand, retrieve my Laptop with the customary In closing I just want to say a heartfelt thank

relief, and at last I am on familiar territory. you to Gautrain for whatever imagined or real

industrial transgressions they performed on 18:48 T minus 7 minutes. Although technically

their staff that day that caused me to have one home and dry, clutching my boarding pass, I

of the most stimulating and enriching days of am running on inertia and adrenalin, I swarm

my life. Would I recommend Gautrain? up the familiar ramp toward D level, the shops

Absolutely!and my destination - D3. Barklee takes over. I

think he can sense the end tape. How he did it I

INTER

NATIO

NAL N

EWS

A navigation device the size of a mobile phone, dubbed the “Gören Göz” (Seeing Eye),

will be delivered to all visually impaired people in Turkey, the country's

Communications Minister announced on 12 Janury 2011.

One Seeing Eye will be delivered to each eligible person for free within the next four

months, Communications Minister Binali Yıldırım said during a visit to a primary school

for the visually impaired, which has been reconstructed by Türk Telekom.

The device, designed by Turkish engineers, uses navigation software to help visually

impaired people easily find their way without assistance. It also serves as a mobile

phone. Users need only say aloud the name of their destination and the Seeing Eye

will give directions from their current location, the minister said.

“This project will significantly assist our visually impaired citizens,” Yıldırım said, adding

that the distribution of the devices would first be implemented as a pilot project in

Istanbul and Ankara. “The Seeing Eye will help them find their way without outside

support in the street, while going to public-administration institutions and while

traveling.”

international news

Turkish government to offer 'Seeing Eye'By Meltem Özgenç – published in the Hűrriyet (Turkish) Daily News

24

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

imfama 50 years

Programmed by Turkish

engineers

“For instance, the device warns you

when you are approaching a traffic

light. It also says which pharmacy,

street or bus station [a person] is Başarsoft, the company that is running

walking past,” Dabanlı said, adding the project, spent four years

that the Seeing Eye also had a radio developing the programming and

option. “It can call the emergency line design for the Seeing Eye, according

in case of an emergency so that to Ahmet Dabanlı, the firm's deputy

visually impaired citizens can get director general.

assistance wherever they are.”“Seven engineers worked to develop

Source:www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.the Seeing Eye, and 40 others worked

php?n=ministry-will-deliver8221-on the mapping,” he said, noting also

seeing-eye8221-for-the-visually-the device's extra services for visually

impaired-2011-01-13impaired users.

Now in its 75th year, KwaZulu-Natal access to the benefits of our

Blind and Deaf Society has democracy have transformed the

undergone several paradigm shifts Society into an education,

and regular intensification of its aims rehabilitation, skills development and

and objectives. This comes after training provider. The Society is

growth in knowledge, new presently capable of enabling,

international perspectives on empowering and advocating for all its

disability (such as the UN Convention clients, young, old or multi-disabled.

on the Rights of Persons with The vision of our founders set the

Disabilities) and changes in South goals, and with shifting targets

African legislation, notably the throughout the seven decades, those

Constitution, Bill of Rights and the who followed built on the foundations

Employment Equity Act, which for the to raise the value of the Society as a

first time entrenched the rights of premier service institution for blind,

persons with disabilities. deaf and deafblind persons in the

Today, the legal impact of personal province. Not only does it own its

rights, including compulsory headquarters in Durban and a

education, employment targets for Rehabilitation Centre in

persons with disabilities and their Pietermaritzburg, it also owns two

right to equality in law, services and leading schools, in Durban (V.N. Naik

member organisations

Celebrating 75 years of service in KZN By Shamila Surjoo

25

2011 issue 2

School for the Deaf) and in

Pietermaritzburg (Arthur Blaxall

School for the Blind). In addition, the

Society established the Durban

School for the Hearing Impaired -

housed on State property in

Amanzimtoti. Through these

institutions, hundreds pass each year

equipped for tertiary education, the

world of work, fitted to live

independent and dignified lives.

Society's growth may be measured

by the range and variety of its

services:

Rehabilitation and Development

Services being one of its main focus

areas– channelling access to

resources, such as health, education,

police stations and hospitals. skills development and economic

development. The Rehabilitation and The Pietermaritzburg Rehabilitation

Development Services further Centre has established a successful

encompasses independence skills hydroponics farming project which is

training (skills of daily living and both a funding instrument and a

orientation and mobility), job training facility in plant husbandry,

placement and early childhood business and agricultural

development through a multi management. The project runs in

disabled support programme. tandem with the services of a

protected workshop for clients in Skills training for adults are provided

Pietermaritzburg. The Society by Optima College KwaZulu-Natal at

recognises that skills development is its two campuses- Durban and

an important means to empower Pietermaritzburg. Courses include

persons with disabilities and has telephony training, CCTV surveillance

implemented many skills for deaf students, reflexology, call

development programmes and centre training, Braille and South

currently offers training in basket African Sign Language training. The

weaving and beadwork. In addition to Adult Basic Education project has a

the audiology facilities provided at wider reach through the Society's

the V.N. Naik School and the Durban training and supervision of Kha Ri

School for the Hearing Impaired, a Gude and Masifundisane National and

fully fledged audiology and Eye Clinic Provincial projects. In addition,

are being established at its interpreter and communication

headquarters in Durban to coincide services are provided to public

with the Society's 75th anniversary.service providers such as clinics, MEMB

ER OR

GANI

SATIO

NS

Cane work class

for the visually

impaired in

progress

Long Cane Rally

held in Zululand

26

MEMBER ORGANISATIONS

imfama 50 years

Kunnabiran Pillay - an inspired

visionary who laid the foundation of a

unique institution. Fortunately, the

commitment of Mr. Cassim Bassa, who

followed him, saw the establishment of

a mobile eye care clinic and blindness

prevention campaigns throughout the

province. During his leadership the

schools were established as fully

fledged centres of excellence and

became trendsetters for the education

of blind and deaf persons. Chairmen

who followed Mr. Bassa were – Mr. J.

Kissoon Singh and his son Mr. A.

Kisson Singh - both lawyers and Mr.

R.R. Pillay who added value through

his experience in education of deaf

persons. Presently, Mr. K. R. Sitaram

has experience in education,

rehabilitation, welfare services and old

age and child care.

The Society has provided South Africa

with exceptional leadership from

among its students who have

transcended barriers, to achieve the

highest distinction in academic

standards and in quality of services.

The Advocacy Committee of the Among them are Justice Zak Yacoob of

Society represents the needs and the S.A. Constitutional Court,

rights of disabled commuters, clients Praveena Sukraj-Ely of the Justice

and employees. The Employment Department, Siva Moodley of the

Equity Act, as it enshrines the rights of Disability Unit at UNISA - who all hold

blind and deaf employees, and the Bill doctoral degrees. Mr. Jace Nair who is

of Rights are used in the protection presently the first person of colour to

and representation of clients who are head the South African National

being disadvantaged at the work Council for the Blind, and Mr. Bruno

place. Druchen who heads DeafSA.

It has been a long, but fruitful journey The KwaZulu-Natal Blind and Deaf

for members of the Society - from Society has travelled the long road

being part of the Natal Bantu Society through penury and despair to success

formed by Mrs Constance Cawston and and distinction. It has located itself

then revived by the Reverend Paul among the best practice institutions in

Sykes and then led ably by Mr. the Republic of South Africa.

Above: Inclusive

Education -

Blind learner in

class at a

mainstream

school in

Zululand

Right: CBR

Worker training

in mobility skills

in rural KZN

27

2011 issue 2

Irene Preston understands her

learners, because she has

walked down the same path

they are travelling. And she

has indeed made her mark in

the blindness arena!

Irene is Optima's call centre

facilitator who is responsible

for teaching blind and partially

sighted persons everything

there is to know about working

in a Call Centre - in only three

short months!

Although her father and

grandmother also had macular

degeneration, her parents

raised Irene like any fully

sighted child, attending a

mainstream school where there

were many learners in a class

and the only provision the

teachers made for her, was to

sit close to the black board

When in fact, she could not around in her community, she (behind the teacher's back). In

recognise them as macular can actually see very little even those days teachers were not

degeneration depleted her though she does not 'look trained to teach children with

central vision – that vision blind'. special needs. Studying and

used for detail vision like growing up was very difficult Unfortunately the disease did reading and recognising faces. for Irene, but she managed not stop with her. Three of her The 'features' Irene and other with lots of hard work and four children inherited the eye people with low vision use to determination. problem. When Irene came to recognise people are body

the South African National Actually no one in her school or language, built, clothing, and

Council for the Blind sixteen community even knew she had voices.

years ago, to get help for her low vision and thought she was

Irene did not know how to children; she decided to just stuck-up because she did

explain to people that although prepare for the worst for not greet them or smile back

she wears glasses and walks herself, because her vision at them when they walked by. EDUC

ATIO

N

education

Teaching lifeBy Lindie van Zyl

Irene has to enlarge everything she wants to read. She loves using her

pocket viewer as you can see

28

EDUCATION

imfama 50 years

deteriorated quickly and she She also understands the Telephony Instructor (she can

was sure that she would soon students' challenges of living in still vividly remember her

go completely blind – luckily a sighted community, but can interview for the position). She

that never happened. She give them invaluable advice filled this position very

underwent independence from her own experience. She competently for many years

training and telephony training lives in the Optima hostel and until Optima decided to move

of which she says: “My is always at hand for students away from telephony and to

mobility instructors have made who need guidance or just an start training visually impaired

such a huge difference to my understanding ear. persons to work in call centres

life. I cannot express how – to keep up with the times. Over the years she has learned

thankful I am to them and how She jumped in and got to tell people when she cannot

much their training changed qualified as a Call Centre see and to ask for assistance

my life. The training I have Facilitator, an Assessor, and a in places like shops, although

received is in me.” Moderator. She even assisted she does most things

in getting the KZN Optima independently. She enjoys Luckily, the quality training she College telephony training on telephonic banking and the received did not stop with her. track. Currently she holds both sms alerts which she receives She has passed on her skills Constituent Moderator and on her talking phone. This way and knowledge to the many Assessor status and her she stays on top of her students who have passed passion for telephony and call finances. through her training over the centre training is contagious.

nearly 16 years that she has After being the star telephony

worked at Council. That is only student during her training at

one of the reasons that the Optima she was later

students love her so much! employed by Council as the

Background

More recent developments

The development of African Language Braille codes received active

attention in the mid 1980s when Mr. Du Plessis (then affectionately known

as Oom Doep) played a pivotal role in the development of the Xitsonga,

Tshivenda, IsiNdebele and SiSwati Braille codes. That effort placed those

languages on a par with IsiZulu, IsiXhosa, Setswana, Sesotho, Sepedi,

Afrikaans and English Braille codes.

The codes used for different African languages were applied with little

amendment until the advent of the “Unified Braille Code”. The Unified

braille Advances in braille for

By Dr. Obert Maguvhe

and Alphonce Dzapasi

African languages

29

BRAIL

LE

2011 issue 2

Braille Code came with several advantageous features which

persuaded the South African Braille Authority (Braille SA) to adopt it

immediately. A prominent advantage was that it was unambiguous

and easily readable, particular dot configurations carried consistent

meanings across technical and everyday language usage – and one

Braille symbol would represent one print symbol irrespective of its

meaning. This created an urgent need to realign the Braille codes for

African Languages with the UBC format.

The South African National Council for the Blind and its cooperating

partners had to align different the Braille codes for African Language

with the Unified Braille Code so, Council made funds available for the

revision of the Xitsonga and Tshivenda Braille Codes. Consequently, a

panel of Braille experts, in collaboration with Word Frequency

Specialists from various institutions of higher learning worked on

each language for five days. After completion, a report (with a code

amendment) was tabled before the Braille SA Committee for

ratification.

As a result of these changes, Council was able to administer the first

Braille Examinations in two African Languages (IsiXhosa and Sepedi)

in 2008.

What remains to be done is the distribution of Braille code manuals

in all African Languages spoken in South Africa. This would enable

recipient populations to learn the new codes and benefit from the

simplicity that these versions now have.

We believe thousands of blind and partially sighted people will

embrace these new developments and take advantage of the

simplified codes to read more, further their studies and prepare

themselves for employment in an ever tougher, competitive

environment. Beyond gains in basic numeracy and literacy, the

Unified Braille Code allows for the easier to use symbols representing

concepts in Mathematics and Science, thereby allowing more blind

and partially sighted people to enter these fields which were typically

the preserve of sighted learners. Many among the blindness

fraternity should assert themselves and face the challenge of delving

into hitherto unfamiliar learning territories. Technological innovation

is yielding positive results in communication systems for blind

persons. Consequently, blind and partially sighted people should use

available chances optimally.

Positive outcome

Outstanding today

imfama 50 years

With its arrival for the first victims, ensuring that they

time in South Africa, the 15th enjoy civil and social rights

IKK brings an African and are fully integrated into

perspective to a congress with their communities. IKK is also

long traditions established over committed to preventing the

sixty years from its origins spread of war and the use of

soon after World War II. firearms produced to cause

blindness. Neville's aim is to expand the

network of organisations to Participation and membership

include countries recently and are encouraged and open to all

currently in conflict, especially organisations for War Blind in

those in Africa, with the all countries of the world,

intention of bringing the irrespective of how members Neville Clarence, with

organisation in line with were blinded or which force administrative support from St

changing global circumstances they were serving at the time Dunstan's Association for

and to foster the spirit of of their injury. These South African War Blinded

reconciliation amongst the organisations are expected to Veterans, is planning the 15th

member organisations. facilitate IKK communications IKK – International Congress

among all their war blind of War Blind Organisations – to For all our perception of the

members and are asked to be held from 15 to 18 May history of conflict and struggle

send two or more delegates to 2012, at a game lodge near on the African continent, there

each Congress. Sixty delegates Pretoria.is not much known about how

and their sighted guides from The Congress is a General many war blind are living in

countries all over the world are Assembly of War Blind, held Africa, under what conditions

expected at the 15th IKK.every three years in the and what facilities are

country of the President, available to them. IKK is financed by participating

elected at the previous Participation by African states organisations and by

Congress. It is named IKK will create a better awareness sponsorships raised by the

after the acronym of the of this and an opportunity for President. Contributions are

German title of Internationale such persons to share used solely to fund the IKK

Kriegsblinden Kongress – in information and experiences Congress and to provide

English, the “International War with other organisations for financial assistance to ordinary

Blind Congress”. war blind and to network with members who need it.

them after the congress.Neville was elected President Official invitations and

of the current 15th IKK in IKK is a non-governmental, information were sent in July

2009 during the 14th Congress non-profit and non-political 2011 to interested and

held in Italy. Other members forum of international qualified organisations.

of the directorate are: Vice organisations for war blind,

Presidents Raymond Hazan of with the aims of protecting and

the United Kingdom; Dieter promoting the improvement of

Reinelt of Germany; and Pierre living conditions of war blind -

Tricot of France. ex combatants and civilian war

Contact details:

President, 15th IKK.

Neville Clarence:

neville@nctech.co.za

HAPPENINGwhat’s

15th IKK -

By Neville Clarence

from an

African

Perspective

30

The South African National

Council for the Blind was

honoured by a visit of a

delegation of twelve ophthalmic

nursing students and two

lecturers from the Institute of

Health Sciences in Molepolole,

Botswana from the 7th to the

11th of March 2011. These

students were professional

nurses, registered for the post

basic course in Ophthalmic

Nursing and were in their last

semester of an 18 month

course. The Bureau for the

Prevention of Blindness

coordinated the participation of

various stakeholders in Council Itireleng Community Project in Ga-Rankuwa as and at the University of Pretoria.well as our training facilities at Optima where

The purpose of the educational tour was to they received a practical demonstration on understand Council's role in community eye care Orientation and Mobility. They also visited the and to acquire practical experience in surgical Tshwane and Kalafong hospitals to observe eye care. operations for cataracts, and special operations

such as corneal transplants, repair of detached Jace Nair, our National Executive Director and retinas, phaco-emulsifications, plastic surgery the management of Council's various divisions on eyelids, etc.delivered presentations on the following topics:

An overview of Council with the focus on our The Botswana delegation also shared their

governance, projects and fundraising; experiences in eye care services and training of

Our comprehensive Eye Care Programme; nurses with our staff and acknowledged that

they benefited a lot from their visit. The tour Our Community Development Programme;

leader expressed their appreciation of the Orientation and Mobility Services; clinical learning opportunities presented by

Our Community Based Rehabilitation Council and the hospitals and promised to visit

Services again every two years when they have another

The nurses visited our Resource Centre, the intake of ophthalmic nursing students.

=

=

=

=

=

31

HAPP

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hat’

s 2011 issue 2

from visit CouncilBotswanaOphthalmic nursesBy Maria Hlonipho

32

HAPPENINGwhat’s

imfama 50 years

The inscription on the award

certificate is a testimony of Dr.

van Deventer's journey from

humble beginnings into

greatness, touching the hearts

of needy people and attending

to their needs. By this award

the CCC, member of the

African Independent and being involved and integrated

Indigenous Churches, into both these contexts as a

acknowledges that his gift to treasure and to share.

leadership skills, selflessness The CCC Honorary Awards was and generosity has clearly attended by thousands of communicated the message delegates. Traditional dancers that a person's greatness is not and choirs provided joyous determined by what he entertainment. The Awards aim receives, but what he gives, to acknowledge and give and they encourage him not to honour to veterans and grow weary in doing good, for achievers in various fields in in due season he will reap the life. The recipients are rewards.nominated by the Calvary

Dr. Van Deventer views the Christian Church Council and

award as an honour, and says: Advisory Board. The recipients

"I put it all down to grace - the are chosen from different

grace of God and the grace of spheres at local, provincial and

the communities who allowed national level, including

me so many opportunities to business, politics, religion,

serve and learn from them." sports, media, community

He further states his belief that building, leadership and

the beginning and end of all education. Other recipients in

knowledge, insight and wisdom the national categories

lie largely with the most awarded this year include Neil

marginalised people and not Tovey (former national soccer

only with institutions of captain) and Rebecca Molope

excellence. He views having (well-known gospel singer and

had the privilege of a life of TV presenter).

Local minister of religion receives

Calvary Empowerment Award

A local blind minister of

religion, Dr. Wilhelm van

Deventer, was honoured

for his outstanding

contribution to

community life when he

received the Calvary

Empowerment Award at

the national Calvary

Christian Church (CCC)

Honorary Awards

Ceremony. This ceremony

was held in Lwamondo, a

village near Louis

Trichardt in Limpopo

Province, on Saturday, 26

February 2011.

By Emmerentia du Plessis

33

RESO

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2011 issue 2

Background on Dr.

Wilhelm van Deventer

MA and PhD in Dogmatics, From the age of fifteen Wilhelm

Ethics and Practical Theology at was involved in such

the University of the North. endeavours in the Western

Wilhelm van Deventer was born Cape, Eastern Cape, Limpopo Upon receipt of his doctorate,

in Cape Town in 1952 and and Northwest Provinces. From former President Nelson

thereafter grew up in 1982 to 1998 he, his wife Claire Mandela also acknowledged

Swellendam and Bellville. and three children lived, Wilhelm with honour for his life-

worked and schooled in the He matriculated at the Pioneer long commitment and

greater Thohoyandou Area.School for the Blind in contributions to intercultural

Worcester and completed his church and community work Wilhelm is currently Minister of

theological studies at the amongst marginalised Black, Religion in the service of the

University of Stellenbosch. White, Coloured and Asian Uniting Reformed Church

Wilhelm did a Masters degree in people in South Africa, Promosa and also works with

Pastoral Family Therapy at the including people living with FAMSA Potchefstroom as a

University of Pretoria and an disabilities. Specialist Counsellor.

With the release of the new BrailleNote Apex in our website at

Jan 2010, Humanware launched a trade-in www.sancb.org.za/article/affordable-braillenote-

program in partnership with SightSavers classics-available

International. These used items are now offered Please contact Council's Resource Centre on

through the South African National Council for resource@sancb.org.za or phone them on

the Blind, to individuals in the SADC region. +27 12 452-3811 to find out more about this

The used BrailleNote Classics have been exciting offer.

refurbished, serviced and come equipped with

all the accessories and an instruction manual.

Council is offering them to qualifying individuals

at a cost of between R 3 350 and R 4 000 -

depending on the model available.

Council will carry a limited guarantee, and will

see to the future servicing of these units and

also offers end-user training - at the purchaser's

own cost. These BrailleNote Classics are sold

with a limited warranty and terms and

conditions apply.

More detail about this project is available from

Very affordable BrailleNotes available

resource centre

34

The Perkins Brailler, viewed by many as

the premiere mechanical Braille writer

in the world, was first produced in 1951

and was the brainchild of the Perkins

School for the Blind in Watertown,

Massachusetts. The design team was

lead by David Abraham. The quality and

reliability of the Perkins Brailler has kept

it in demand and in production ever

since.

Its success lies in two, nearly contradictory

foundations – the remarkable precision of its

design and production; and the bold financial

commitment and idealism of its producers. The

leadership and trustees of Howe Press and its

parent organisation, the Perkins School for the

Blind, understood the need for the new Brailler,

and supported it unfalteringly through fifteen

years of design, preparation, and expenditures Local manufacture has cut the cost of a Perkins

that committed more than half of the capital of Brailler by 45% as compared to the imported

Howe Press. product. The Perkins Brailler project has been

On 18 January 2008, we celebrated the 10 year incorporated into Council and a management

partnership between the South African National structure including the Chairperson, Treasurer

Council for the Blind and the Perkins School and an NEC member has been set up.

near Boston in the USA. This partnership was Representatives from Perkins also serve on this

established to benefit visually impaired people management committee. During the past

in the developing world by increasing access to financial year a total of 6610 Classic Perkins and

an affordable way of writing in braille. 325 Electric Braillers were assembled at the

Cape Town factory. Over a three year period, Council runs a factory in Cape Town where

commencing in 2007, the production increased Perkins Braillers are assembled for South Africa,

from 35 machines per week to 35 machines per African and other developing countries. The

day. The assembly line comprises 18 factory has manufactured more than 27 000

assemblers, nine of whom are disabled. Braillers in the past 13 years and by doing this,

has empowered many blind people in the David Geyer, the 1st Perkins Brailler user in

developing world, allowing them to write Braille South Africa, talked at the 10 year celebrations

and become literate. in Cape Town about his experience, holding the

imfama 50 years

RESOURCE CENTREHistory of the Perkins Brailler

35

2011 issue 2

notes he prepared on his Perkins. He told the announced the New Next Generation™ Perkins

audience about his first encounter with a Brailler®. This new mechanical Braille writer is a

Perkins Brailler and how much easier writing is modern redesign of the classic Perkins Brailler.

on the new Brailler than what he had become The design effort was led by David Morgan,

accustomed to on the old Braillers. He bought General Manager of Perkins Products.

himself a Perkins when he left school and paid a After extensive user feedback and research in

whopping R90 for a new machine! The Perkins the United States, India, Mexico, Malawi, and

has served him well over the years and despite South Africa, Perkins embarked on an effort to

not being serviced, he has never had problems deliver less force, less weight, and less noise

with the Brailler.while maintaining the basic functions and

In 2008, the factory started assembling the new durability of the original. The Next Generation

Electric Brailler in anticipation of the Louis Perkins features an integrated erase button,

Braille Bicentenary celebrations in January paper tray to ease proofreading, reading margin

2009. in the front, an integrated handle for carrying,

and bright new colours including APH Blue, On 3 October 2008, Perkins School for the Blind

Raspberry, and Midnight Blue. and American Printing House for the Blind

SCIEN

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Last Wednesday, my life at the trendies, both sighted

changed forever. I got an and blind, buying iPhones VoiceOver, the screen iPhone. I consider it the and enthusing about them. reading software used by greatest thing to happen to That changed when another Macs, I scoffed. Blind blind people for a very long blind friend with similar people have gotten so used time, possibly ever. It offers opinions also founded in to lofty promises of a dream unparalleled access to long years of experience platform, only to receive properly made applications bought one, and just went some slapped together set and changed my life in nuts about how much she of software with a minimally twenty-four hours. The loved it, especially the functional screen reader iPhone has only one thing touchpad interface. I could running on overpriced holding it back: iTunes. hardly believe it, and hardware which can't take a Nevertheless, I have fallen figured that I should re-beating. I figured that Apple in love. evaluate things.just wanted to get some

When I first heard that good PR – after all, how I went to the AT&T store

Apple would release a could a blind person even with my Mom. It felt like

touchpad cell phone with use a touchpad? I laughed coming full circle, since we

science and technology

My first week with the iPhoneBy Austin Seraphin,

12 June 2010

36

imfama 50 years

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYweather. Next, I read some now we can do it with an

stock prices. Amazingly, it Apple device that fits in our

even renders stock charts; pocket.

something blind people have I have seen a lot of

never had access to. Sold.technology for blind people,

We went up front to make the and I can safely say that the went to an Apple store many

necessary arrangements. After iPhone represents the most years ago to get my Apple

a little work, we had things revolutionary thing to happen II/E. To my delight, the

settled. I continued to to blind people for at least the salesman knew about

excitedly ask questions, as did last ten years. Fifteen or VoiceOver and how to activate

my mom. “Can he get text twenty years brings us back to it, although he didn't know

messages on this?” she asked. the Braille 'n Speak, which I how to use it. Fortunately, I

“Well, yes, but it doesn't read loved in the same way, so read up on it before I went.

the message.” the salesman have a hard time choosing the Tap an item to hear it, double

said. Mom's hopes sunk, but greater. In my more excitable tap to activate it, swipe three

mine didn't, since I moments, I consider the fingers to scroll. You can also

understood the software iPhone as the greatest thing to split-tap, where you hold

enough. “Well, let's see, try have ever happened to blind down one location and tap

it.” I suggested. She pulled people, and it may prove so. another. This makes for more

out her phone, and sent me a Time will tell. The touchpad rapid entry once you

text message. Within seconds, offers the familiar understand it. It also has a

my phone alerted me, and next/previous motion which rotor which you activate by

said her name. I simply blind people need, since turning your fingers like a dial.

swiped my finger and it read speech offers one-dimensional You can also double triple-

her message: Hi Austin. She output. Adding the ability to finger tap to toggle speech,

almost cried. “Leave it to touch anywhere on the screen and a triple triple-finger tap

Apple.” I said. “This feels and hear it adds a whole other turns on the awesome screen

almost as amazing as when dimension, literally. For the curtain, which disables the

we went to the Apple store the first time, blind people can screen and camera.

first time, except maybe more actually get spatial

so, because we know what information about something. Many reviews and people said this can do.” True – in the In the store, Mom could say to spend at least a half hour eighties, computers seemed “Try that button” and I could. to an hour before passing like more of a curiosity. I Blind people know what I judgment on using a touchpad remember my parents mean. How many times has a interface with speech.checking stock quotes and sighted person said “I see an

I anticipated a weird and getting messages for their icon at the top of the screen?”

slightly arduous journey, business over the Apple II/E, Now, that actually means

especially when it came to something. I want to find a

using the keyboard. To my way to browse the web with a

great surprise, I picked it up touchpad on my computer. It

immediately. Within 30 truly represents the wave of

seconds, I checked the the future.

37

2011 issue 2

blind users. Of course, blind hexadecimal digits. This puts

Mac users have little problem the total at 16777216 colours,

with it, but they make up a and I believe it. Some of them

very small portion of the blind have very surreal names, such

community. A blind Windows as Atomic Orange, Cosmic,

user with a strong will can do Hippie Green, Opium, and

it, but they won't enjoy it. Black-White. These names in

Those of us blind Linux users combination with what feels Applications have the same

get left in the dark on two like a rise in serotonin levels issues with accessibility as

counts, since no Linux users make for a very psychedelic with any graphical

can access iTunes, except experience.environment. Apple has done a

through WINE, or through a good thing by making I have never experienced this

virtual machine.guidelines available for app before in my life. I can see

developers, which I some light and colour, but just Despite having to overcome passionately urge them to in blurs, and objects don't the limitations of iTunes, I still follow. Any blind computer really have a colour, just light love the iPhone. I continue to user has run up against these sources. When I first tried it at feel amazed at the iPhone's problems in Windows, Mac, or three o'clock in the morning, I capabilities. I can get email, in Gnome. These include couldn't figure out why it just Twitter mentions, and direct unlabeled buttons and fields, reported black. After realizing messages any time. unreachable controls except that the screen curtain also

through annoying means, or in I can listen to Good Vibes disables the camera, I turned

extreme cases complete Radio anywhere on Earth! I it off, but it still had very dark

inaccessibility. The Accessible can read Liberty Pulse on the colours. Then I remembered

Apps page can help, as can toilet. The WebMD app would that you actually need light to

AppleVis. Properly coded apps have come in handy for my see, and it probably couldn't

offer stunning access unlike burn. I could go on and on, see much at night. I thought

anything blind people have about how the iPhone with about light sources, and my

ever experienced. As I said, I VoiceOver provides a interview I did for Get Lamp.

want to use touch gestures on streamlined accessible First, I saw one of my

my Linux machines now! interface to things which seem beautiful salt lamps in its

annoying at best over the web various shades of orange, That brings me to the only

in a standard browser. another with its pink and rose proverbial worm in the golden

Listening to Coast to Coast AM colours and the third kind in Apple: iTunes. I understand

comes to mind. glowing pink and red. I felt the power of market forces,

stunned.but to see such a beautiful The other night, however, a

piece of hardware chained to The next day, I went outside. I very amazing thing happened.

such an awful and inaccessible looked at the sky. I heard I downloaded an app called

piece of software bothers me colours such as “Horizon,” Colour Identifier. It uses the

to no end. Apple has done an iPhone's camera, and speaks

amazing thing making the names of colours. It must use

iPhone accessible, but iTunes a table, because each colour

remains virtually unusable to has an identifier made up of 6 SCIEN

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38

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

imfama 50 years

“Outer Space,” and many returned to the grey house. My enhance my visual experience.

shades of blue and grey. I used mind felt blown. I watched the Amazing!

colour cues to find my pumpkin sun set, listening to the colours I love my iPhone. It changed

plants, by looking for the green change as the sky darkened. my universe as soon as it

among the brown and stone. I The next night, I had a entered it. However, as any

spent ten minutes looking at conversation with Mom about Discordian knows, every

my pumpkin plants, with their how the sky looked bluer golden Apple has a golden

leaves of green and lemon- tonight. Since I can see some worm at its centre.

ginger. I then roamed my yard, light and colour, I think hearing

and saw a blue flower. I then the colour names can help

found the brown shed and nudge my perception and

arts and culture

George Shearing CommemoratingBy Jack Kerouac

Legendary jazz

pianist and

composer Sir

George Shearing

dies at 91

From his website: One of the world's most

influential and beloved jazz pianists and

composers, Sir George Shearing, died shortly

after 1:00 a.m. in the morning of 14 February

2011 of cardiac arrest. Shearing was knighted by

Queen Elizabeth in June 2007. A popular

recording artist and concert performer, Shearing

composed over 300 songs including the jazz

standard, "Lullaby of Birdland". Shearing is

survived by his wife Ellie. Sir George was blind.

Editor's note: The following description of faster and faster, it seemed faster and

George Shearing's playing is taken from faster, that's all. Shearing began to play

Jack Kerouac's On the Road. his chords; they rolled out of the piano in

great rich showers, you'd think the man “Dean and I went to see George Shearing

wouldn't have time to line them up. They at Birdland in the midst of the long, mad

rolled and rolled like the sea. Folks yelled weekend. The place was deserted; we

for him to "Go!" Dean was sweating; the were the first customers, ten o'clock.

sweat poured down his collar. "There he is!

That's him! Old God! Old God Shearing! Shearing came out, blind, led by the hand

Yes! Yes! Yes!" to his keyboard. He was a distinguished-

looking Englishman with a stiff white collar, And Shearing was conscious of the

slightly beefy, blond, with a delicate madman behind him, he could hear every

English-summer's-night air about him that one of Dean's gasps and imprecations, he

came out in the first rippling sweet could sense it though he couldn't see.

number he played as the bass-player "That's right!" Dean said. "Yes!" Shearing

leaned to him reverently and thrummed smiled, he rocked. Shearing rose from the

the beat. The drummer, Denzil Best, sat piano, dripping with sweat; these were his

motionless except for his wrists snapping great 1949 days before he became cool

and commercial.

When he was gone Dean pointed to the

empty piano seat. "God's empty chair," he

said. On the piano a horn sat; its golden

shadow made a strange reflection along

the desert caravan painted on the wall

behind the drums. God was gone; it was

the silence of his departure. It was a rainy

night. It was the myth of the rainy night.

Dean was popeyed with awe. This

madness would lead nowhere.”

the brushes. And Shearing began to rock;

a smile broke over his ecstatic face; he

began to rock in the piano seat, back and

forth, slowly at first, then the beat went

up, and he began rocking fast, his left foot

jumped up with every beat, his neck

began to rock crookedly, he brought his

face down to the keys, he pushed his hair

back, his combed hair dissolved, he began

to sweat. The music picked up. The bass-

player hunched over and socked it in,

39

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40

SightSavers International's

compilation CD called

Inclusion features blind

musicians from across Africa. contribution of disabled

The CD was compiled to people” Unsurprisingly, the

showcase the talent of blind album features Mali's Amadou

people in a bid to prove that and Mariam, both of whom are

disabled people can contribute blind and are internationally

effectively to society and be famous African musicians.

gainfully employed and South African audiences will

educated. remember them as forming

part of the opening act for The organisation, which works

U2's 360° World Tour and also closely with Blind and Disabled

from the historic Fifa 2010 there is a sense of People's Organisations',

South Africa World Cup's Kick- homogeneity in producing a advocates for full inclusion into

Off concert. singularly African sound which mainstream society.

reflects the cultural heritage of Sightsavers finds that disabled Musical talents from Gabon

a continent through the people are generally the (Pierre Akendengué), South

artistic work of people who are poorest people and are Africa (Steve Kekana),

only able to experience their consistently ignored by Mozambique (Isau Meneses),

cultures mainly through sound governments, international Cameroun (André-Marie Tala),

and touch. political bodies and businesses The Gambia (Kéba Mané),

despite representing nearly 1 Senegal (Mansour Seck), This CD is not available for

in 5 people all over the world. Ethiopia (Djemil “Jimmy” sale as Sightsavers generously

Mahmed), Morrocco (Hassan sponsored it. However, the The album features 11 tracks

Erraji and Arabesque), Kenya individual outputs of the and is described as being a

(Reuben Kigame) and Sierra artists in the compilation are “celebration of recordings by

Leone (The Milton Margai available through good music talented musicians, specially

School for the Blind), all stores. Purchasing their selected by Sightsavers

provide a cross section of albums would not only help International to demonstrate-

African world music. While the support a legal music industry, in one small way- the

sounds are unique and but it may help to showcase

distinctly different from each the talent prevalent amongst

other as they reflect their blind musicians and Africans in

diverse cultural backgrounds, particular.

imfama 50 years

ARTS AND CULTURE

Inclusion – a uniquely African CDBy Sharika Hoosain

Amadou and Mariam performing

at the World Cup 2010

41

2011 issue 2

MASTERPIECE

Blind sculptor recreates

untouchable

When blind sculptor Felice sculpture that inspired it, it is

Tagliaferri was forbidden to shockingly realistic. His Christ is

touch one of Italy's most famous more athletic than the original,

statues, he decided revenge was the veil smooth instead of

best served not just cold, but textured to convey a sense of

stone cold. transparency to blind people.

In May 2008, Tagliaferri visited Tagliaferri's "Christ Revealed"

the Sansevero Chapel, eager to started as a small clay model on

experience its famous "Veiled which sighted artists advised

Christ" in the only way a blind Tagliaferri how to position the

person can: by touching it. He body. He raised 16,000 Euros

was blocked, despite his protests through dinner-in-the-dark

that he was a professional events and bought a 4,000-kg

sculptor who would do no block of Carrara marble that

damage. measured 1.9 meters long by 50

cm high and 1 meter wide. He Tagliaferri (41) spent two years

asked a friend to stretch out on creating his marble

top then measured the body.interpretation of "Cristo Velato,"

or "Veiled Christ," a 1753 "There are so many messages.

masterpiece that he has neither One is that a block of marble

seen nor touched - Giuseppe isn't ruined when it is lightly

Sanmartino's exquisitely detailed touched by expert hands," he

sculpture of the body of Christ said. "Second, disabled people

lying wrapped in a fine shroud is are sick and tired of waiting for

one of the prime tourist others to decide and tell them

attractions in Naples. what they can and cannot do."

The result is a powerfully "Christ Revealed" began a

rendered life-sized Jesus that national tour at the Royal Palace

Tagliaferri puns on and calls in Naples in February. "It's

"Cristo (ri)Velato," or "Christ forbidden not to touch,"

Revealed." Like the 258-year-old Tagliaferri said. ARTS

AND C

ULTU

RE

By Barbara Cornell published by Reuters

42

imfama 50 years

IAN HUTTON COLUMNThe

In my constant quest for light entertainment, I

blundered into a CIA website which they've cunningly

titled, The World Factbook. There they tell us, and I

have no reason to disbelieve them, that there is a

country, or more strictly speaking a British territory,

whose total population consists of a staggering 45

individuals.

Never mind, they've got their own flag and a ten-

member Governing Council, five of whom are elected and one of whom is

appointed by the elected members. Viva democracy.

What's this though? In October 2004, over a quarter of the population

found itself under arrest. This put the economy into a bit of a spin. The

transfer of goods to and from boats was disrupted and the two major

sources of revenue were affected, these being the sale of postage stamps

to collectors and that of handicrafts to passing ships.

Now, in case you're thinking of immigrating and you don't mind the CIA

keeping a bit of an eye on you, what we have here is the Pitcairn Islands,

situated somewhere between Peru and New Zealand.

Then, if you go a little up the CIA's population table, you come to a fully

independent state, Vatican City, which has a grand total of 932 citizen-

souls. But don't let this fool you. According to reliable sources, its reach is

global. This brings me to my point.

There is a category of people who span the planet and whose numbers

damn near equal the population of the United States, which stands at a

startling 300 million. To put that into perspective, and before I tell you

who I'm talking about, digest this: The total population of Portugal is only

around the 10.5 million mark. Sweden comes in behind at just a

smorgasbord bash above 9 million. South Africa with its 49 million makes

Denmark with only 5.4 million look like an undernourished forest gnome.

So, who are these 284 million people who span the globe and among

whom I include myself? The Blind. That's who.

And so it is where we begin our journey into the Country of the Blind…

Country of the Blind

43

2011 issue 2

And as we surf steadily towards its shore, the dim outline of a fact sheet looms

into earshot.

“WHO”, it says. But who is WHO? Ah yes, the World Health Organisation.

But we're on the beach now. We stoop and, with our fingers, read the words that

are set before us in pebbles of braille.

“You who can read this,” it says. “Welcome to Ophthalmia.”

A voice speaks. It is the voice of WHO.

“My children,” it enjoins. “I call upon you to spread these words throughout the

world. Of our 284 million visually impaired citizens, 39 million are pitch blind and

245 million float, unrecognised and misunderstood, in the murky ether of low

vision. Tell them also that 90% of the people of Ophthalmia were born in the

developing places of this planet. And let it be known that 80% of blind and low

vision people should not even be living here. These are the ones whose eye

conditions are preventable or curable. But until the world understands such

things, Ophthalmia, the Country of the Blind, needs a king. Go forth then and

find us the one-eyed man who will be that king.”

And so it was that I spread my net and began trolling through cyberspace for a

one-eyed worthy who'd do the trick. To my amazement, I scooped four in one

go.

The first to plop into earshot was Rex Harrison, latterly Sir Rex, the renowned

British theatre and film actor. He would have been good at rallies and

ceremonies. Otherwise, I don't think he'd be able to pull off the part because, he

died in 1990. The next catch was Sammy Davis Jr, all-round entertainer. He'd

have been a fun king but he too died in 1990. Then there's James Thurber,

humorist and cartoonist who, among other things, worked for the New Yorker. I

would have loved him as king but he shipped off in 1961.

Then, I found the one! Ry Cooder, slide guitarist, singer etc. etc. Remember the

Buena Vista Social Club documentary and music? But if that's all you know about

him, find out more and you'll be amazed and enchanted.

Ironically, the score Ry wrote for the film Paris, Texas was based on Blind Willie

Johnson's Dark Was the Night (Cold Was the Ground), which he described as

"The most soulful, transcendent piece in all American music."

And so, as we ponder the Country of the Blind, we take in these words on the

subject of blind people from Wikipedia.

“Certain individuals are gifted, and others licentious, but nothing definitive can

be said of blind people as a class but that they cannot see well.” IAN HU

TTON C

OLUM

NTh

e

Helen Keller: her life &&

The chief handicap of the

blind is not blindness, but

the attitude of seeing

people towards them.

The most beautiful world is

always entered through

imagination.

Faith is a mockery if it does

not teach us that we can

build a more complete and

beautiful world.

The best and most beautiful

things in the world cannot

be seen or even touched.

They must be felt with the

heart.

The only thing worse than

being blind is having sight

but no vision.

We are never really happy

until we try to brighten the

lives of others.

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

June 27, 1880 Helen Keller is born in Tuscumbia, Alabama. Her

father's name is Captain Arthur Henley Keller and her mother

is Kate Adams Keller.

February 1882 After being struck by illness, Helen loses both

her sight and hearing. No one is ever sure exactly what

disease she had, but some people think it was scarlet fever.

March 3, 1887 Anne Sullivan comes to the Keller home and

begins teaching Helen letters by signing into her hand

("manual sign language").

April 5, 1887 Anne makes the "miracle" breakthrough,

teaching Helen that everything has a name by spelling

W-A-T-E-R into Helen's hand as water flows over her palm.

Fall 1889 Helen goes to Perkins Institution for the Blind in

Boston, her first formal education.

September 1900 Helen becomes a member of the freshmen

class of 1904 at Radcliffe College.

1902 With the help of an editor, Helen writes The Story of My

Life.

June 28, 1904 Helen becomes the first deaf-blind individual to

earn a college degree, graduating with honors from Radcliffe.

Spring 1909 Helen joins the Suffragist movement, demanding

the right to vote for women.

October 1924 Helen and Anne begin their work with the

American Foundation for the Blind.

April 1930 Helen, Anne, and Polly Thompson travel abroad for

the first time, visiting Scotland, Ireland, and England for over

six months. This trip is only the beginning of Helen's travels

overseas - she would eventually visit 39 countries!

October 1936 Anne Sullivan Macy dies.

January 1943 Helen visits blind, deaf, and disabled soldiers of

World War II in military hospitals around the country.

September 1964 President Lyndon Johnson gives Helen the

Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian

honor.

June 1, 1968 Helen Keller dies in her sleep.

wisdomand

in brief