Prayatna Nepal is a self-help organization dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls with visual impairments. It was founded by a diverse group of women, both with and without visual impairments. Five of the seven board members,71% have visual impairments, including the chairperson. By including women with and without disabilities, the organization aims to leverage everyone's unique perspectives to enhance the social, cultural, economic, environmental, and political conditions for women with visual impairments.
The first day of the training began with Ms. Sarita Lamichhane (Chairperson of Prayatna Nepal) welcoming all the participants and sharing the objectives of the training. Then a short introduction took place before getting into the session. Then, participants were assigned roles as timekeepers, entertainers, and reporters. After the introduction round, Mr. Rabindra Khanal, facilitator, started the training by asking for consent from the participants and sharing information about visual impairment. Participants then shared their experience as some of them lost their vision due to various medical conditions. This session worked to ensure that participants were comfortable with each other and the facilitator. As most of the participants lost their vision by birth, they helped to console the ones who faced the tragedy later with life. Then the training started with orientation on the structures. The facilitator oriented about the venue and surfaces along with basic theoretical knowledge about white cane. The day ended with participants practicing theoretical knowledge within the venue premises pairing up with visually impaired supporters and sharing their experiences of walking with a visually impaired supporter.
The second day of the training started with the rules of mobility. Mr. Khanal provided a theory session on 10 considerations of white cane skills which included the ways to consider while using the white cane to make it hassle free and easy. Then the practical session took place where participants practiced the 10 considerations in a plain ground. The day ended with participants sharing their experiences of walking independently.
The third and fourth day of the training was more focused on practical sessions. The orientation was done and then the participants were engaged in practical. The participants were engaged in walking on footpath, crossing the road through overhead bridge and zebra crossing. The participants also visited the Social Development Division of Pokhara Metropolitan City where they interacted with Mr. Arjun Neupane, Officer, and got information about the different activities conducted by the division. One of the participants also suggested to include women with disabilities during the skill development training to women conducted by the division. Mr. Neupane assured that he will ensure the participation by practicing the inclusion criteria in the evaluation.
The final day of the training started with indoor orientation. Participants were oriented towards the indoor structures such as staircase, toilets, and corridor. They were suggested to change the interior of their room once in a while so that they can know about the room. The participants were also given practical session individually on the ways to climb staircase using white cane. The training concluded with Ms. Lamichhane thanking everyone for making the training successful participants sharing their knowledge and reflections. Each of the participants was provided with a white cane so that they can walk independently.
“Before the training, I always traveled with my daughter. By the third day, I traveled alone and could recognize my home by the sound of a nearby workshop. Using the cane while walking on the street and using public transportation has ensured my disability reservation seats.”- One of the participants
"After losing my sight eight years ago, I avoided walking alone. This training gave me the skills to achieve independence."- One of the participants
"As someone with low vision, I've realized the need to prepare for an independent future. I now aspire to become a trainer myself." -One of the participants
"Being blind by birth, I've always depended on others to walk. This training helped me build confidence and embrace the white cane." -One of the participants
"Although I could walk before, I often fell into ditches or on stairs. This training improved my mobility skills and my confidence." -One of the participants
