Blind and Deaf Society seeks donations for inclusive recreational centre

DUE to the lack of recreational spaces for people who are blind, the KZN Blind and Deaf Society is calling for donations for a recreational centre to serve as a safe and inclusive space for blind residents to unwind.

- YOSHINI PERUMAL

The society is appealing for items to furnish and equip the recreation centre. This includes lounge seating, braille and large print board games, card games for the blind, and an audio book library.

The centre will be based at the society’s premises in Ismail C Meer Street in Durban central.

Yegeshne Naidu, from the society, said the centre would be opened once enough resources were secured.

“We also need donations of smart TVs with captioning facilities, interactive gaming consoles with accessible features, sensory and tactile play equipment, musical instruments and a coffee station with accessible appliances.

“This space will allow us to cater to the social and educational needs of blind people who visit the society. The centre is aimed at allowing those who cannot see, maintain their friendships, while engaging in activities and socialising.

"There are currently few or no recreational facilities for people who are blind, so we are appealing for sensory and tactile equipment and devices, which are voice activated, so we can offer this to them for their development,” said Naidu.

Ralph Munsamy, a blind resident from Pinetown, praised the society for its dedication.