Scottish woman introduces new concept for the visually impaired

One have always thought of India as lagging behind in almost all the spheres of life, barring a rapidly increasing population! But contrary to common belief, so far as community sensitivity towards the visually challenged is concerned, India is a role model for social activists from Scotland! Ms Lorraine Nicholson, a young Scottish activist associated with the Edinburgh-based Scottish National Federation for the Blind, says she was moved by community efforts aimed at the well-being of the visually challenged that she witnessed during her stay in Darjeeling in 1999.

From the lessons she learnt here, Ms Nicholson made sure special mountaineering courses for the visually impaired were introduced in leading training academies in her country. For the last six years, National Outdoor Centre, Scotland has been successfully running a week-long course on Mountain Craft for the Visually Impaired, which Ms Nicholson calls “a pioneering step” in Scotland. And she gives all credit to India.

“During my stay in Darjeeling, I came across Himalayan Nature and Adventure Foundation (HNAF). I also attended a nature study camp for the blind in Darjeeling. The camp was jointly organised with Society for the Visually Handicapped, Kolkata (SVH). After witnessing the efforts, I discovered how much we, the Scottish, were lagging behind so far as welfare of the blind was concerned. I was determined to take a similar initiative in Scotland,” Ms Nicholson said. As an activist working for the visually impaired in Scotland, Ms Nicholson feels methods like nature study for the blind, which is being done by various voluntary organisations in Bengal, is an effective tool to build the confidence of visually impaired people.

Ms Nicholson and her fellow activists make it a point to be present at the annual nature study camp organised jointly by SVH and HNAF every year. This time too she is present at the 4th Annual Nature Study Camp for the visually challenged, which began in Panachavati today. Around 41 visually impaired persons in the age group of eight to 35 are participating in the three-day camp. In addition to the already established tools for imparting nature education to the blind, music therapy has been made a part of the study this year, said Mr Animesh Bose, a senior HNAF member.