A ceremony marking the International Day of Blind and Visually Impaired People took place on Friday, October 19, at the Day Care Center in Bolesławiec. Among those attending were Deputy District Governor Stanisław Chwojnicki, head of the Social Affairs and Health Department of the District Office Barbara Kostyra, head of the District Family Assistance Center Danuta Marecka, Deputy Mayor Kornel Filipowicz, head of the Social Affairs Department of the Municipal Office Beata Sulska and Tadeusz Kupczak, director of the Municipal Social Welfare Center.
“A person’s character is shaped not by beautiful words, but by work and great effort. You do not lack this effort, and thanks to it you function and do your best to adapt to everyday life’s difficulties,” said Stanisław Chwojnicki. “Please count on assistance from the District Office. We help and will continue to help within our capabilities,” he declared.
“All associations established on a non profit basis and arising from the natural needs of their members are the salt of democracy,” Kornel Filipowicz stressed. “This day should be a celebration for you, and for everyone else a day of truth and special attention. The white cane should be a symbol for all those who fail to notice you and overlook you.”
“It is difficult for a person with poor vision to find the place they need to reach,” Kazimierz Łętowski, president of the Bolesławiec branch of the Polish Association of the Blind, told “ii.” “Some people lose their sight with age and may come to terms with it. But there are also those who lose it suddenly, as a result of an accident or because of diabetes.”
As the organization’s president emphasizes, these people often stay at home and are afraid to admit that they cannot see. “We can help them,” Kazimierz Łętowski notes. “We can teach them how to get around with a white cane, use a computer or read Braille. What is more, we cooperate with companies that produce speech-enabled devices, such as liquid sensors, blood pressure monitors, glucometers and phones.
The ceremony, which included, among other things, a presentation of watches for blind and visually impaired people, was co-financed by the District Family Assistance Center. The event was enhanced by a performance from young vocalists from the Stanisław Wyspiański Youth Culture Center.
The Bolesławiec branch of PZN is located at 6c Staroszkolna Street and is open on Wednesdays (from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.). More information is available by phone at: 75 734 25 39 and 608 314 799.
(information: ii)