A specialized one-week training course designed to empower women with visual impairments has concluded at the National Institute of Special Education (NISE) in Islamabad. The program, organized by the National Mobility & Independence Training Centre (NM&ITC), focused on equipping participants with essential skills in orientation, mobility, and white cane techniques to promote their independence and confidence.
The training brought together 14 women from various parts of Pakistan, including Layyah, Peshawar, Sargodha, Swabi, Malakand, Haripur, and Mirpur in Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Among the participants was Shumaila Kiran, a distinguished member of the National Women’s Blind Cricket Team. All attendees stayed in the institute’s hostel, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
Throughout the week, participants engaged in a comprehensive curriculum covering foundational and advanced mobility concepts. The sessions began with an introduction to the importance of orientation and mobility, followed by exercises to enhance sensory development and hands-on use of mobility aids. Practical demonstrations covered self-protection, techniques for walking with a sighted guide, navigating narrow spaces, seating techniques, and movement in single and double lines.
Special emphasis was placed on mastering various white cane techniques, such as grip, two-touch, three-touch, slide, diagonal, and pencil methods. Advanced topics like stair navigation were also thoroughly addressed to ensure participants could move confidently and safely in diverse environments.
To complement the technical training, the hostel experience featured accessible indoor recreational activities. Games like Ludo, chess, Nine Men’s Morris, and playing cards were specifically adapted for visually impaired participants, alongside story reading in Braille. These activities not only offered relaxation but also encouraged peer bonding and teamwork.
The training concluded with a dignified closing ceremony, where participants received certificates from representatives of the Directorate General of Special Education and the Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training. Participants expressed gratitude for the transformative experience, highlighting the program’s role in fostering independence and self-reliance. As the first training of its kind specifically for women, this initiative marks a significant milestone in the inclusion of women with visual impairments in Pakistan.
