Since January 2024, the Union of the Blind of Armenia (UBA) has been implementing a comprehensive psycho-social rehabilitation program aimed at promoting independent living and social inclusion for people with visual impairments.
The program operates in Yerevan and also includes displaced individuals from Artsakh.
The core objective is to develop essential life skills among beneficiaries, including mobility training using the white cane, digital literacy through screen reader software, Braille literacy, and daily living skills. Family members also receive counselling to overcome stigma and better support their loved ones.
The program features seminars, cultural and public events, and guided visits, all delivered by a multidisciplinary team including typhlopedagogues (specialists in visual impairment), an ICT trainer, a psychologist, and a social worker. This collaborative approach ensures that each participant receives personalised support.
The initiative builds upon previous experience and monitoring conducted in 2023, which highlighted a strong need for such services. Since its launch, the 2024 program has received significant interest and participation, demonstrating the growing demand for inclusive and empowering services.
Beyond skills development, the program fosters greater awareness and inclusion, empowering participants to lead full and active lives within their communities.