For persons with visual impairments, Braille represents more than just raised dots on paper. It is their bridge to knowledge, their path to education, and their gateway to the world of information. This importance of Braille was at the heart of the 2025 World Braille Day celebrations in Bamenda.
Under the theme "celebrating accessibility and inclusion for the visually impaired," the celebrations took place at the headquarters of the Hope Social Union for the Visually Impaired (HSUVI) in Mile 4 Nkwen. The event, chaired by HSUVI President Tonain Peter Ngong, demonstrated the resilience and aspirations of visually impaired individuals in the conflict hit North West Region of Cameroon.
The day began with a Holy Mass officiated by Rev. Fr. Wilson Diang. The service was not just a spiritual blessing for the visually impaired but also an opportunity to showcase the practical relevance of Braille. Through their readings, visually impaired individuals demonstrated the power of Braille as a tool for participation and inclusion.
Rev. Fr. Diang’s prayers for the visually impaired community set a tone of optimism as they embarked on the new year. The Mass served as a reminder of the dignity and potential of every individual, regardless of their abilities.
Speaking on the event's theme, Ngong Tonain highlighted the daunting challenges that continue to hinder accessibility and inclusion for persons with visual impairments in Cameroon. He pointed out the scarcity of assistive technologies such as computers equipped with specialised software like JAWS, which can cost organisations significant sums to acquire.
“The lack of experts to train persons with vision impairments on the use of inclusive technologies is a major setback,” Dr Ngong explained.
He also criticised the design of most digital platforms and educational content, which are often unsuitable for users with visual impairments. These limitations, he noted, compound the difficulties faced by students and workers with vision impairments, making digital accessibility a distant goal.
Amid these challenges, a glimmer of hope emerged with the distribution of Braille papers to visually impaired students from secondary schools and universities. This initiative, aimed at equipping them for the upcoming school term, was a practical demonstration of the commitment to enhancing accessibility in education.
The event concluded with a lively cultural animation that brought together members of the visually impaired community and the general public. Participants were schooled on the significance of Braille and its proper handling, fostering a sense of understanding and inclusivity.
World Braille Day, observed annually on 4th January, honours the legacy of Louis Braille, the inventor of the tactile writing system that has transformed lives globally. It is a day to emphasise the rights of visually impaired individuals to access information, education, and culture. Even in the digital age, the relevance of Braille remains indisputable, as it continues to empower millions to overcome barriers and unlock their potential.
As the 2025 celebrations in Bamenda came to a close, they left an indelible message: accessibility and inclusion are not just ideals to be admired but goals to be actively pursued. Through efforts like those of HSUVI, the visually impaired community is reminded that they are not alone in their journey towards a more inclusive world.
By Jolenta Rose Afanwi with reports
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