Events held at Sultan Qaboos University to help visually impaired

MUSCAT: More than 100 people took part in a “Blind Life” experience at Sultan Qaboos University on Sunday, October 15.
The Albaseerh group organised the “Blind Life” event in Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) to mark the International White Cane Day.
“The participants are competing in speed of movement between different locations at the College of Art in SQU with blindfolds,” Khamis Alsalti, a member of the organising team said.
The challenge was a first of its kind, and offering a special experience so that people could take a look at the daily lives of the blind.
“Until now we have sold about 100 tickets. The first day was dedicated to academic staff at the university, which was attended by 40 employees, with the opportunity given to students and anyone wishing to participate in the experiment on Tuesday,” Alsalti add.
The competitor must buy a coupon, which has a map of the path. With the help of a blind person, the participant will follow that path, blindfolded and holding a cane.
On the same day, the Al Noor Association for the Blind in Nizwa city also organised a walkathon and forum to celebrate the day.
The forum aims to consolidate relations between Gulf Cooperation Council countries, to recognise the importance of the white stick and spread its cultural significance in society, and to learn about the experience of educational institutions for visually impaired people.
The celebration was aimed at sending a message to the community about the importance of standing with the blind and helping them integrate in the community.