Getting their dignity back, taking pride in themselves and being able to get first-hand information from the media, are some of the advantages of the new technology aimed at helping blind people at the Barrington Library in Ezibeleni, Komani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to librarian, Noxolo Mahele, the library has a Daisy machine to read audio books, a document reader that reads newspapers and voice activated computers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the beneficiaries, Dumisani Fololo, said the services were an encouragement to blind people to be self-sufficient. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe previously relied on other people but now will be able to do our own research, read news first-hand and enjoy a good book,\u201d said Fololo. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said blind people were happy to have their lives improved and learning new technological skills. Information is power, he said, and it was important to get information from the relevant sources. \u201cWe have been given our dignity as blind people, we can now take pride in ourselves, and capabilities and we can comment on government documents.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The event similarly intended to showcase what blind people can do and to correct the stereotypes about blind people within communities. Mahele said due to the age of some of the blind people and the level of education of others, not being able to read African languages, new technology is a challenge to them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another blind person, Phumla Mati, said the services have helped her gain confidence and do things she never thought she could do before. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYou face a problem where when you get to libraries, you find librarians who want to help but do not know how to help. It could be very frustrating, but we are now out of that situation, thanks to technology and innovators. It is very important to get information and know what is happening around you so that you can make informed decisions,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
She said while there were jobs for blind people through the employment equity, adverts for such jobs were not blind people friendly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe previously could not apply for jobs due to them not being accommodating to us. Sometimes we would hear about the adverts from people but then it is too late. Now we will be able to apply for posts as we have access to newspapers,\u201d said Mati, an intern at Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Department of Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC) district director, Mkhululi Godola, said blind people should take advantage of the funding in his department.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe have a lot of opportunities at the department, including a special programmes unit that deals with disabled people. We also have bursary opportunities for people who want to study,\u201d said Godola. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Getting their dignity back, taking pride in themselves and being able to get first-hand information from the media, are some of the advantages of the new technology aimed at helping blind people at the Barrington Library in Ezibeleni, 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