As time goes by and technology continues to grow around us, the problem of obstacles faced by people with visual impairments is increasing rather than encouraging greater inclusion. This was the main topic of a meeting held at the Workers’ Memorial Building between the administration of the General Workers’ Union and representatives of VNVN – Visual Non-Visual Network, a voluntary organisation committed to raising awareness about inclusion for people with visual impairments.
Noel Farrugia, the founder of the organisation, said that while technology and digitalisation continue to advance, these individuals feel that such progress is holding them back from full integration and equal treatment within the community.
The GWU Secretary General, Josef Bugeja, agreed: “We are introducing new digital systems everywhere, which, although convenient and modern, are unintentionally limiting access for people with visual impairments.”
Noel Farrugia added: “If you stop and think, you realise how many sighted people lack awareness of how to communicate with those who are visually impaired. We decided to take a hands-on approach. We have reached a stage where we will set up a cooperative run by blind individuals to address everyday needs. We have brought everything together into one framework and drafted a Legal Notice for discussion, which was welcomed with enthusiasm by Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg and tabled in Parliament a few months ago.”
He added that they would like, together with the GWU and Members of Parliament, to discuss these alternative proposals so that workplaces can become more socially responsible and inclusive of people beyond sight. These workplaces would also provide new skills and give such individuals the opportunity to gain independence and achieve greater social integration.
“We want to create ‘workplaces beyond sight’, where people with visual impairments can work and integrate. We want to present their vision,” Noel Farrugia said.
They explained that some members of the organisation have created a new niche of work, producing tomatoes and olive oil, among other products, as part of “Braille Well-Being Products”. They are also cultivating stevia locally, a natural plant used as a zero-calorie sugar substitute. More details about this production will be announced in the coming months.
GWU President Jason Deguara emphasized the importance of education on how to effectively communicate with individuals who have visual impairments. He added that the doors of the GWU, as a trade union committed to inclusivity, are always open to provide any possible assistance to the organisation.
As is already being done with the Malta Tourism Authority, the organisation also aims to offer training programmes for workers across the country through the project ‘Meet and Greet Compliments’, helping sighted individuals better understand and integrate with those who are visually impaired.
Maria Elich, one of the organisation’s representatives, explained that through their continuous work, they are reaching out to society—for example, through lectures she delivers at MCAST to students who will become nurses, teaching them how to communicate with visually impaired persons.
They also mentioned the project ‘Active Blind Persons in Parish Communities’, where the organisation offers guidance on how people can become more accessible and inclusive, gradually eliminating existing barriers.
The Secretary General (designate), Kevin Camilleri, said that the organisation’s work is highly commendable, as there is a need for greater awareness of how society can better support, integrate and facilitate the lives of these individuals. He stressed the importance of collectively recognising these challenges and working together to create a more inclusive country.
At the end of the meeting, Maria Elich and Bridget Micallef, two representatives who work tirelessly for the inclusion of people with visual impairments, were awarded certificates in appreciation of their work within the GWU in support of the concept “Workplaces Beyond Sight.”
