By: Thea Bårdsdatter Foslie
This year, the Norwegian Association of the Blind and Partially Sighted marks 125 years. The anniversary is being celebrated across the country with a series of events.
One of the most symbolic celebrations took place in Trondheim on August 31, when over 130 people from across Norway participated in a commemorative march in the footsteps of their predecessors. The march recreated the historic journey from September 1, 1900, when seven blind and visually impaired youths walked from the city Trondheim to the village of Klæbu, home to the school for the blind at the time. Here they founded “De Blindes Selvhjælpsforening” – the precursor to today’s Association of the Blind and Partially Sighted.
“It’s wonderful that so many people made the trip to the cradle of the Norwegian Association of the Blind and Partially Sighted to take part in the march,” said Association President Terje Andre Olsen, who travelled from Oslo to attend the event.
The anniversary was also marked in Norway’s oldest city, Tønsberg, with a march through the city on August 30. Around 60 participants walked together with a marching band to celebrate the occasion.
History of the Blind and Visually Impaired
The anniversary also includes the release of the book Blind Pride – The History of the Norwegian Association of the Blind and Partially Sighted, written by historian Mari Jonassen. The book offers a unique insight into the organization’s development and its fight for rights and was launched on September 2.
“This is a hidden world for most people. Opening it up and telling the story of how the Norwegian Association of the Blind and Partially sighted has evolved over 125 years has been incredibly exciting. I hope the book contributes to greater understanding and insight when meeting blind and visually impaired individuals,” said Jonassen.
Exhibition and Celebration
The organisation has also set up a historical exhibition featuring artifacts from its history at its headquarters in Oslo, which will be open to visitors throughout the year. The anniversary will also be celebrated at the organization's rehabilitation and activity centre located in the municipality Hurdal, during the Association’s national meeting, held the last weekend of September.
“Much has been achieved since the beginning 125 years ago, but the fight against exclusion and for the right to work is still relevant,” said President Terje Andre Olsen.
Historic March: Association President Terje Andre Olsen, Secretary General Per Inge Bjerknes, and Sports Advisor Adrian Lindgren during the march in Trondheim. Photo: Thea Bårdsdatter Foslie
Book Launch: Association President Terje Andre Olsen and author Mari Jonassen at the launch of Blind Pride – The History of the Norwegian Association of the Blind and Partially Sighted. Photo: Thea Bårdsdatter Foslie