In an often-overlooked area of public health, Ligue Braille, EBU member in Belgium is setting a clear, replicable standard for inclusion. Its initiative offering adapted first aid training for blind and partially sighted people shows that accessibility and life-saving competence can and should go hand in hand.
The rationale is simple. Emergencies happen everywhere, and the first minutes are decisive. Road accidents, strokes, cardiac arrests or choking incidents all require immediate action. Yet people with visual impairments are often excluded from first aid training due to outdated assumptions about their ability to respond effectively.
This programme directly challenges that bias. Delivered free of charge in partnership with Belgian Medical Service, the training equips participants with essential skills, including alerting emergency services, using a defibrillator, placing someone in the recovery position, and responding to hypoglycaemia, epileptic seizures or stroke.
The approach is rigorous and adapted, not simplified. Each trainer works with two participants, ensuring precise, hands-on learning. Equipment such as mannequins and defibrillators features tactile markings, and manuals are provided in braille or large print. As trainer Jonatan Stoz notes, visual impairment does not prevent accurate assessment. For example, stroke detection can rely on grip strength tests rather than visual cues, an equally valid method.
Sessions are hosted in the Ligue Braille’s regional centres in Liège, Jambes and Libramont, chosen for their accessibility and proximity to public transport. The first sessions will take place in early May, with further roll-out planned across other regions in September.
Beyond its immediate impact, this initiative sends a strong message. Inclusion must extend beyond access to services to full participation in society, including the capacity to save lives. For national associations, this is a concrete and scalable model worth replicating.