WBU E-BULLETINVOLUME 14, ISSUE 4October 2018

Contact us at:

World Blind Union1929 Bayview Avenue Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4G 3E8

Telephone: 1-416-486-9698 Fax: 1-416-486-8107Email: info@wbu.ngo Website: www.wbu.ngo Twitter: @BlindUnion Facebook: www.facebook.com/BlindUnion

Changing What It Means to be Blind!

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CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE E-BULLETIN...............................................3PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE................................................................4WBU NEWS.....................................................................................5WBU FIRST VICE PRESIDENT WINS LONG DISTANCE DUATHLON WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS..................................................................5WBU CALLS FOR ACCESSIBLE RELIEF SERVICES AFTER EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI IN INDONESIA AND TYPHOON IN JAPAN.....................6WBU STATEMENTS FOR WORLD SIGHT DAY AND WHITE CANE DAY.7WBU SCHOLARSHIPS........................................................................7HIGHLIGHTS OF FIRST-EVER GLOBAL DISABILITY SUMMIT HELD IN LONDON, UK.....................................................................................9UPDATES ON WBU PRIORITIES....................................................9AN UPDATE FROM THE WBU DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE.................9UPDATES FROM THE REGIONS..........................................11EU RATIFIES THE MARRAKESH TREATY AND WRITES A NEW CHAPTER IN THE RIGHT TO READ FOR PRINT DISABLED PEOPLE...................11THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TAKES A MONUMENTAL STEP TOWARDS FULFILLING THE PROMISE OF THE MARRAKESH TREATY12ACCESSION BY JAPAN TO THE MARRAKESH TREATY BLIND UNION – ASIA PACIFIC ULAANBAATAR STATEMENT.......................................14CELEBRATING WHITE CANE DAY.....................................................14WORLD BLIND UNION – ASIA PACIFIC ULAANBAATAR STATEMENT. 15EBU FOCUS NEWSLETTER ON RAIL TRAVEL....................................16UPDATES FROM GLOBAL PARTNERS........................................17RNIB LAUNCHES NEW LOW-COST BRAILLE DISPLAY.......................17FEATURES.....................................................................................18RESOURCES..................................................................................20UPCOMING EVENTS.....................................................................21THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT LETTERS OF INTENT FOR 2019 SIGHTFIRST RESEARCH PROGRAM IS DECEMBER 30, 2018............22

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REMINDER: CONTACT INFORMATION..............................................23LETTERS TO THE EDITOR............................................................23RESPONSE TO WBU MESSAGE OF SOLIDARITY FOLLOWING DEVASTATING EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI IN INDONESIA............23PICTORIAL NEWS.........................................................................24THE WBU REGIONS......................................................................24AFRICA............................................................................................24ASIA................................................................................................24ASIA-PACIFIC...................................................................................24EUROPE..........................................................................................24LATIN AMERICA...............................................................................24NORTH AMERICA/THE CARIBBEAN..................................................24WBU TABLE OFFICERS................................................................24REGIONAL PRESIDENTS..............................................................25WBU STAFF..................................................................................25OUR SPONSORS...........................................................................26OUR PLATINUM SPONSORS.............................................................26OUR DIAMOND SPONSORS.............................................................26OUR GOLD SPONSORS....................................................................26

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE E-BULLETIN

We welcome articles from the regions and from members who wish to share their good news with the rest of the world. Our next deadline for content is January 7th, 2019. We accept submissions in English, French, and Spanish in electronic format. Please note that we retain the right to edit submissions due to space limitations. Send your news to: Terry.Mutuku@wbu.ngo

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

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Dear friends,

The World Blind Union continues to be an active and effective voice representing the interests of blind and partially sighted people around the world.

As you know, ever since the Marrakesh Book Treaty was adopted in June 2013, we have been working with our national members to seek ratification in as many countries as possible. The more countries that ratify the Treaty, the greater will be the number of books available for distribution.

On Monday, October 1, 2018, the European Union and Japan joined the Marrakesh Treaty, depositing their instruments of ratification with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and the U.S. will not be far behind.

On September 25, 2018, the US House of Representatives passed the Marrakesh Treaty Implementation Act, clearing the way for the U.S. to join the Treaty. All that remains is for President Trump to sign the bill and to order the State Department to deposit the US instrument of ratification with the World Intellectual Property Organization.

The Marrakesh Treaty together with the development of low cost refreshable braille reading devices opens access to the printed word for countless blind children and adults throughout the world. The impact on education and employment cannot be overstated. None of this happens without vigorous advocacy.

In September, I was privileged and honored to attend the Asia Pacific Regional Midterm General Assembly in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. I cannot begin to express how effective the assembly was. It demonstrated the power of collective action – blind and partially sighted persons working

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together, combining their energy and imagination, to advance opportunities for blind people everywhere.

As you know, the World Blind Union’s 2020 General Assembly will be held in Madrid, Spain. Please begin planning to attend and encourage others to attend and to participate actively. The greater our participation, the greater will be our progress. Together we will continue to make great strides on behalf of the 253 million blind and partially sighted persons around the world.

Thank you for all you do.Dr. Fredric K. Schroeder, President, WBU

WBU NEWS

WBU FIRST VICE PRESIDENT WINS LONG DISTANCE DUATHLON WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

The World Blind Union first Vice President, Mr. Fernando Riaño has won the Zofingen ITU Powerman Long Distance Duathlon World Championships after a hard race held in Zofingen, Switzerland, in September 2018.

Mr. Riaño has already won three Triathlon World Cups, one Triathlon World Championship and several national titles. Although he has low vision, he competes with the help of his friend and guide, Mr. J. Celada.

According to Mr. Riaño, the 2018 Zofingen ITU Powerman Long Distance Duathlon World Championship was one of the hardest races covering 12Km (2 laps), biking 160Km (3 laps) and Running 32km (3 laps). He won a Gold medal!

The World Blind Union congratulates Mr. Riaño for his outstanding achievements. The WBU encourages blind and partially sighted persons to fully participate and enjoy recreational, leisure and sporting activities as per CRPD Article 30

To read more about Mr. Riaño and contact him for sporting tips, checkout his profile on WBU website.

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Mr. Fernando Riaño and his guide, Mr. J. Celada after winning the Zofingen ITU Powerman Long Distance Duathlon World Championships WBU CALLS FOR ACCESSIBLE RELIEF SERVICES AFTER EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI IN INDONESIA AND TYPHOON IN JAPANThe World Blind Union extended deepest sympathies and condolences to members affected by the devastating earthquake and tsunami that killed more than 1500 people in the Indonesian island of Sulawesi in September. According to the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs, nearly 200,000 people were in urgent need of assistance while thousands were displaced.

The WBU also expressed empathy to those affected by typhoon Trami which struck Japan in September. The powerful typhoon caused widespread damage. At least 120 people were injured, and tens of thousands of people were evacuated.

For effective disaster management operations, the WBU encourages governments, first responders and humanitarian agencies to recognise and address unique needs of blind and partially sighted persons. It is critical that survivors of such disasters are provided with accessible information and communication services including braille, large print,

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and audio formats. Other relief services including medical, health, rehabilitation and re-settlement should also be accessible to the blind and partially sighted persons. WBU STATEMENTS FOR WORLD SIGHT DAY AND WHITE CANE DAYOn White Cane Day held in October 15, the World Blind Union called on governments to allocate budgets and national action plans for provision of white canes and mobility trainings for blind and partially sighted persons.

Meanwhile, on World Sight Day held on 11 October, the WBU also called on governments to allocate budgets for local health teams to conduct eye health screening; provide eye glasses at subsidized costs and provide trainings for eye specialists. The WBU further encouraged media campaigns to sensitize the public about eye conditions and prevention of blindness.

The full statements are available on the WBU website: http://www.worldblindunion.org/English/news/Pages/default.aspx

WBU SCHOLARSHIPS Eligible candidates are invited to apply for braille literacy scholarships offered through the World Blind Union. Preference is given to blind and partially sighted applicants from low income countries.

The scholarships are:

1. The Hermoine Grant Calhoun Scholarship: This scholarship is offered to blind and partially sighted women attending college or university courses in any field of study within their own country. Women from least developed countries and low middle-income countries will be given priority. All scholarships will be for at least $100 USD or a maximum of US$750 is granted for any one course.

2. The Pedro Zurita Youth Fund: This scholarship is for blind and partially sighted young men and women aged 15 to 30 years old. The scholarship is available for courses of study or programs with

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a duration of more than one year, but funding is not guaranteed for the full period of the course of study.

3. The Barbara Marjeram Braille Literacy Scholarship: Applicants for this scholarship must be blind and partially sighted girls or women between the ages of 14 to 30 years. They must be enrolled in a recognized educational program in their own country. Applications are also accepted from students enrolled in a recognized distance learning program. They are expected to possess Braille reading and writing skills or be willing to pursue a course to learn Braille either on location or through an approved distance learning program. Applications must be accompanied by a 500-word essay describing the proposed course of study or program.

4. The Gerald Dirks Scholarship for the Advancement of Braille Literacy is available for blind and partially sighted men and women aged 18 to 35 years old from Africa that work with Braille. Applicants are expected to possess Braille reading and writing skills. Preference will be given to candidates who have pre-requisite education or training to qualify either as a teacher of blind pupils; or train as a teaching assistant working alongside a qualified teacher in the classroom; or be involved in a creative Braille literacy project.

More details about these scholarships and application forms are available on our website.

HIGHLIGHTS OF FIRST-EVER GLOBAL DISABILITY SUMMIT HELD IN LONDON, UK

WBU Secretary General and President of All India Confederation of the Blind, Mr. Ajai Kumar Mittal, shared the highlights of First-ever Global Disability Summit held in London, UK, July 23-24, 2018

On behalf of WBU, I had an opportunity to attend the Global Disability Summit in London. Over 250 delegates representing DPO's (Disabled Persons Organizations), national governments, private sector, humanitarian agencies, multilateral organizations and UN bodies from all over the world attended the event. The Summit was co-hosted by the UK Department for International Development, government of

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Kenya and the International Disability Alliance.

Under the auspice of the Summit, a Civil Society Forum was held on 23rd July 2018. The Forum had three sessions, each having four to five presenters. The first two sessions discussed implementation of the CRPD and the 2030 agenda for persons with disabilities. The third session was devoted to the subject of capacity building at national and grassroots levels to advance the realization of the rights of persons with disabilities. The Forum concluded with a session on looking ahead after the Summit. Read full article on the WBU website.

UPDATES ON WBU PRIORITIESAN UPDATE FROM THE WBU DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE By Mr. A.K, Mittal, Chair of WBU Development Committee

We are pleased to present a further report on the work undertaken by WBU's Development Committee during the period since the last e-Bulletin.

Work on our research project titled "Disability-Specific vs. Cross-Disability Approach to Rehabilitation Services for the Blind and the Partially Sighted" continued to gain momentum during this period. As our readers would recall, the deadline for receiving responses was to end on 30th June 2018. In view of the very limited responses received by the given deadline and in the hope that members might benefit by getting some more time to send in their responses, the deadline was extended till 15th August.

Thus, 51 organizations from 49 countries completed and returned the survey, which included two organizations each from two countries.

Region-wise distribution of surveys received is as follows: Asian Blind Union (ABU) - 8 African Union of the Blind (AFUB)- 20 European Blind Union (EBU)-10 WBU Asia Pacific (AP) - 9 North America/Caribbean (NA/C) - 4

Yes, we were a little disappointed to find that we did not get a larger number of surveys. Unfortunately, on an earlier occasion also, only 47

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countries had completed and returned a survey undertaken by WBU in collaboration with American Foundation for the Blind during the last quadrennium. The subject of survey then was "International Approaches to Rehabilitation Services". That survey was a lot more comprehensive covering a range of rehabilitation issues. So, the limited response to the present survey which was based on a much shorter and simpler questionnaire was, indeed, rather disheartening.

Mr. Terje Iversen from Norwegian Association of the Blind and Partially Sighted (NABP) made a statistical analysis of the data received by way of answers to survey questions. Based on the analysis, we are now in the process of working out survey findings and conclusions and the final report.

As reported in the last e-Bulletin, the document drafted by Diana Stentoft from Danish Association of the Blind (DAB), Denmark was approved at Development Committee's Ottawa meeting. This document contained guidelines to help members formulate their reports on capacity-building related good practices and was forwarded to regional presidents with a request to circulate it among their national members. We hope all members have received this useful document. If some members have not received it, they may obtain it by writing to their respective regional presidents or the WBU office or to myself.

In brief, the document specifies the following aspects of capacity-building for formulating reports: leadership; resource generation; communication; participation; advocacy and lobbying. Members could describe, in about two pages, their activities concerning any of the above-mentioned aspects. Just to recap, members' reports for the current year need to be sent directly to WBU Communications Officer, Terry Mutuku at Terry.Mutuku@wbu.ngo by 31st December 2018 and thereafter, on a half-yearly basis. So, friends, please, do send in your reports of good practices as per the simple procedure summarized here. These reports, to be placed on WBU website, if found fulfilling the pre-requisites, would not only add to the visibility of the concerned members, but could also be of inspirational value for others.

Meanwhile translation, into Russian, of the WBU Resource Manual is continuing and we look forward to further update from ABU President, at the upcoming meeting of our officers in Guatemala City. Similarly,

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our listed task of collaborating with leaders of WBU Workplan Objectives on SDG's and UNCRPD, would be taken forward based on the outcomes of discussions at the Guatemala city meeting.

UPDATES FROM THE REGIONS EU RATIFIES MARRAKESH TREATY AND WRITES A NEW CHAPTER IN THE RIGHT TO READ FOR PRINT DISABLED PEOPLEPress Release:

At the General Assembly session of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), October 1, the European Union ratified the Marrakesh Treaty, binding its 28 Member States. This Treaty facilitates the making and cross-border flow of accessible format works (braille, audio etc.) under a binding legal system of national copyright exceptions.

“It is a major step toward ending the book famine for the millions of people in the world – 30 million in Europe alone – who are blind, visually impaired or otherwise print disabled”, says Wolfgang Angermann, President of the European Blind Union (EBU). “The Treaty facilitates access to culture and education and, for sure, it will be one of the elements to enable blind and partially sighted persons to access better jobs, and to be included in today’s global and digital society.” EBU campaigned intensively for this Treaty and through our members we will monitor its application. We now call on other countries to join the Treaty and urge the EU countries that have not yet implemented the directive despite the 11 October deadline, to do so without delay. Read full press release on the EBU website.

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TAKES A MONUMENTAL STEP TOWARDS FULFILLING THE PROMISE OF THE MARRAKESH TREATYBy Mark A. Riccobono, President, National Federation of the Blind, USA

From July 24 to July 25, 2008, a diverse group of stakeholders hosted by the World Blind Union (WBU), in conjunction with Knowledge Ecology International, met in Washington, DC to discuss the need for creating an international agreement which would create robust exceptions and limitation to copyright laws permitting reproduction of

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published works into accessible formats and to establish an international framework to allow cross border sharing of these works. James Gashel represented the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) at this initial meeting.

As a result of these discussions, the group authored a report titled “Meeting on a WIPO Treaty for Blind, Visually Impaired and Other Reading Disabled Persons,” which was presented to the delegates of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) by Chris Friend, then chair of the WBU’s Right to Read Campaign, in the fall of 2008. This marked the starting point for five years of discussions among WIPO members, publishing, and disability communities which ultimately culminated with a diplomatic conference in Marrakesh, Morocco in June of 2013. Dr. Frederic Schroeder, then First Vice President of the World Blind Union and the National Federation of the Blind, along with Scott LaBarre, who served as the Federation’s principle negotiator, participated in the conference. Readers of these pages will know that the conference opened with much uncertainty with thirty-seven items remaining unresolved which led to many wondering if an agreement would ever be reached.

After ten days of hard-fought negotiations, delegates reached a final agreement and the Marrakesh Treaty to Facilitate Access to Published Works for Persons Who Are Blind, Visually Impaired, or Otherwise Print Disabled was born on June 28, 2013. The National Federation of the Blind immediately sprang into action, urging the Obama administration to quickly move to ratify the treaty. After signing the Treaty on October 2, 2013, the Obama Administration convened an intergovernmental working group responsible for drafting the treaty’s implementing legislation. Over the next two years plus, the National Federation of the Blind and other United States-based stakeholders urged the Obama administration to release the implementation package expeditiously which it did finally on February 10, 2016. Despite the release, more work remained. After reviewing the proposed implementing legislation, the Association of American Publishers raised concerns which drove the publishing, library, and disability communities back to the negotiating table.

During these active domestic negotiations, I was proud to represent the Federation along with Dr. Schroeder (representing the WBU) and Scott LaBarre (North American Caribbean representative to the WBU’s

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Marrakesh Treaty Ratification Campaign Committee) at the first ever Marrakesh Treaty Assembly conducted at WIPO in October of 2016.

Subsequently the US negotiations at last culminated in the introduction of the Marrakesh Treaty Implementation Act (S. 2559) on March 15, 2018. Working collaboratively alongside the publishing and library communities, we successfully shepherded S. 2559 out of the United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary.

The United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations held a hearing on April 18, 2018 in which Scott LaBarre testified on our behalf, alongside Jonathan Band representing the Library Copyright Alliance, and Allan Adler representing the Association of American Publishers. The Honorable Manisha Singh, the Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Economic and Business for the United States Department of State also testified expressing the administration’s support for the treaty.

On June 28, 2018, exactly five years after the Marrakesh Treaty was finalized in Morocco, the Senate provided its advice and consent for ratification and passed S. 2559 unanimously. With John Pare, the NFB’s Executive Director for Advocacy and Policy, present, the United States House of Representatives took up consideration of the Treaty Implementation Act on September 25, 2018, and it too passed S. 2559 unanimously. Now, the bill has gone to the President’s desk for signature, which we expect imminently. Very soon, the doors to accessible formats will be thrown open for people who are blind in the

around the world who have led the way by completing this process in their countries in advance of the United States.

ACCESSION BY JAPAN TO THE MARRAKESH TREATY

On October 1, 2018, the Government of Japan deposited its instrument of accession to the Marrakesh Treaty. In accordance with the relevant provisions of the Treaty, for Japan, the Treaty will enter into force on January 1, 2019.

Accession by Japan to the Treaty would further facilitate access to works for persons who are blind, visually impaired, or otherwise print disabled, including those in Japan, and contribute to the international

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efforts to promote facilitation of such access (Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan).

CELEBRATING WHITE CANE DAY: FOCUS ON WHITE CANES IN AFRICA By African Union of the Blind, AFUB

White Cane Day is celebrated annually on 15th October. The white cane is a powerful symbol of independence for millions of blind and partially sighted persons around the world.

"My white cane offers me access to navigate the same familiar terrain" says Derick Program Officer at the Kenya Union of the Blind.

Though most African countries have ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and are aware of article 9 on accessibility, measures to identify and eliminate barriers and obstacles to accessibility and create awareness among stakeholders on accessibility issues facing persons with disabilities have not been put in place.

In Kenya, as in most African countries, white canes are not readily available and if they are available, they are expensive for the users. It is therefore necessary to advocate to the government to subsidize the white cane so that there can be sufficient and affordable white canes for blind and partially sighted persons.

For those who possess a white cane, navigating most Kenyan roads and streets is a challenge as most motorists and road users do not understand the importance of the white cane to blind and partially sighted persons.

Organisations of blind and partially sighted persons in Kenya should lobby for the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to include white cane in their curriculum.

Given that an estimated 9 million blind persons live in sub-Saharan Africa, we cannot afford to overlook the importance of the white cane and what it symbolizes for blind and partially sighted persons worldwide.

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WORLD BLIND UNION – ASIA PACIFIC ULAANBAATAR STATEMENT

The World Blind Union - Asia Pacific (WBUAP) Mid-Term Regional General Assembly held in UlaanBaatar, 12 September, 2018, adopted a statement requesting governments to review or enact legislation which ensures that the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) constitutes an effective tool for change in the lives of blind and partially sighted persons. All WBUAP members were urged to engage with monitoring and implementation processes to the maximum extent possible.

The regional assembly also called on governments throughout the WBU Asia Pacific region to ratify the Marrakesh Treaty as soon as practicable, so that persons who are blind or partially sighted or who have other print disabilities, have the fullest possible access to works of literature and to educational materials. The full statement is available on the WBU website.

EBU FOCUS NEWSLETTER ON RAIL TRAVELThe European Blind Union (EBU) Focus is a three-monthly newsletter produced by the European Blind Union in English, French, German and Spanish. Each issue concentrates on a specific topic of importance to the visually-impaired community in Europe.

The most recent edition published in September was on accessibility of rail travel in Europe. It has four sections, the first, written by EBU Head of Campaigning Antoine Fobe, looks in detail at Regulation (EC) N°1371/2007, on rail passengers’ rights and obligation which brought a set of common minimal rules for all persons travelling by train in Europe. It includes a specific chapter on the rights of passengers with disabilities and passengers with reduced mobility. This edition also describes the essential elements of the existing regulation and of its proposed recast, from the point of view of visually impaired persons. It concludes with a question and answer session with Marie Denninghaus, Transport and Mobility Officer at the European Disability Forum, to widen the debate to include other disabilities.

The second section is an in-depth look at travelling by train in the Czech Republic provided by Jan Urbánek, of our member, Czech Blind United (SONS). The article describes the techniques and assistance

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available at different stages of a trip in a best-case scenario, and there are many good examples to learn from.

The third section of the EBU Focus is a personal view of Rail transport and the visually impaired in the UK from Jill Allen-King, OBE. Jill uses examples from her own personal experience to speak about rail transport for the over two million people who are blind and partially sighted in the UK.

The final section is written by Thierry Jammes, an Expert in accessibility with our French member, the Confédération Française pour la Promotion Sociale des Aveugles et Amblyopes. It briefly describes the systems put in place by the French National railway company, and then provides a critical viewpoint of an individual user. This EBU Focus newsletter thus offers an insight into different aspects of the issue of rail travel in Europe. The four different language versions are available on the EBU website, as well as the previous EBU Focus newsletters on the topics of the Marrakech Treaty, and Young Blind and partially Sighted People; Challenges and Opportunities.

For further information please contact EBU, ebuinfocom@euroblind.org

UPDATES FROM GLOBAL PARTNERS

RNIB LAUNCHES NEW LOW-COST BRAILLE DISPLAY RNIB Press Release, 8 October 2018

On 8 October 2018 RNIB (Royal National Institute for Blind People) launched the Orbit Reader 20 onto the UK market.

The aim was to significantly reduce the expense of refreshable braille as the cost of existing displays remains a major barrier to many blind and partially sighted people being able to enjoy the benefits of this revolutionary technology.

The Transforming Braille Group (TBG), of which RNIB is a founding member, came together to address the need for a low-cost display costing hundred’s rather than thousands of pounds and to meet a growing demand in developing countries to access the technology at an affordable price.

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Working closely with Orbit and other members of TBG, RNIB has brought to market a product that is both high quality and affordable, making it available to as many blind and partially sighted people as possible.

The Orbit Reader 20 features a refreshable 20 cell 8-dot display with USB and Bluetooth connections to Android, Apple, Kindle and Windows devices.

Operating via an SD card memory for on-the- go operation with multiple mode controls. Braille content is accessed by simply inserting the SD card containing pre-translated materials into the back of the unit. The Orbit Reader 20 can be connected to your computer, tablet or portable device to read commercially available titles in braille using mainstream apps like Kindle or iBook’s. The Orbit Reader 20 has already been very well received by blind and partially sighted people who were involved in the user trials. Comments from people involved in the user trials include, ‘This is a fantastic device which will revolutionise braille technology’.‘I am a braille reader but have never been able to afford to purchase any braille notetakers before because the price was prohibitive. When can I purchase an Orbit?

Claire Maxwell, RNIB Senior Product Developer, adds: “RNIB is very excited to announce the launch of the Orbit Reader 20 on the 8 of October. We want to show our commitment to braille and celebrate national braille week with the release of this revolutionary product. We’re proud to have played a part in the development of this new and game-changing generation of product.” The Orbit Reader 20, is available to order exclusively through the RNIB shop at www.shop.rnib.org.uk where it can be purchased for £449. Connect members will be able to purchase at a discounted price of £399.

FEATURES

MEET DILIYAN, A BLIND UN YOUTH DELEGATE FROM BULGARIA

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My name is Diliyan Manolov, 25 years old and blind. I am one of the two UN youth delegates for Bulgaria with a mandate of 18 months in 2018 to 2019. Being a Bulgarian youth delegate to the United Nations is the pinnacle of my urge for equality and inclusion of young blind and partially sighted persons in the society. It is also another step in my efforts for participation of young people in policy making.

In Bulgaria, the UN Youth Delegates programme runs for 12 years now and is coordinated from the United Nations Association in Bulgaria, in close cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria. To become a UN youth delegate, you must go through a very intensive selection process – four rounds of applications in four months – document-based assessment, panel interviews with institutional partners, NGOs etc. The two youth delegates work both on national and international level, within the 18months period. They have two working visits in the UN during the General Assemblies and the ECOSOC in the Commission for Social Development. But the work on national level is what makes the connection between young people, UN policies and programmes at national level. As youth delegates we conduct a survey among young people, organise events to raise awareness on the priorities of young people, discuss policies with relevant institutions, develop campaigns etc.

Less than 40 countries run this UN Youth programme, so I encourage you to have a look at UN DESA website: https://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/what-we-do/youth-delegate-programme.html and the profile of the Bulgarian programme: https://www.un.org/esa/socdev/unyin/documents/profiles/Bulgaria.pdf

At the UN Third Committee of the General Assembly in New York held in October, I and my fellow youth delegate, Yavor Gochev, presented the opinions and priorities for young people in Bulgaria in our statement. We focused attention on quality education and entrepreneurship as a solution to high rates of youth unemployment. We co-organised three side events on youth employment, quality education and full inclusion for persons with disabilities and also about privacy in the digital era.

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Diliyan Manolov (Dido) during the UN meeting at the German permanent mission in New York.

I think that all persons with disabilities should be proactive and search for their way to contribute to our world. It is not effective to develop and implement policies without input from the persons they are aimed at. This is why I participate in policy making – because I would like to change this status quo and work with young people for better education, development of social and employment skills. We have to follow our own passion and as much as possible things we love. -------Diliyan Manolov who is also an actor and a writer is currently pursuing a PhD in developmental psychology. He runs a foundation called VIZIONER which educates and trains persons with visual disabilities on various skills.

RESOURCESThe WBU welcomed the opportunity to submit the following documents to the UN. 1. World Blind Union submission to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) study on rehabilitation for persons with disabilities - 2nd September 2018

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2. WBU-ICEVI Submission to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child on the 2018 Day of General Discussion.

UPCOMING EVENTSWAYFINDR FIRST-EVER ONLINE DIGITAL NAVIGATION COURSEWayfindr has developed the first-ever online digital navigation certificate course delivered by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The course provides certified proficiency in developing and installing audio navigation using Recommendation ITU-T F.921: Audio-Based Indoor and Outdoor Network Navigation System for Persons with Vision Impairment.

Access/Accessibility professionals, architects, app developers can be amongst the first professionals to obtain the certificate in indoor digital audio-navigation; enabling full compliance with the standard and an excellent user experience.The course covers:

Common types of vision impairments and their causes Approaches to orientation and mobility for people living with sight

loss The development of indoor and outdoor navigation systems for

persons with vision impairment, including indoor positioning systems, mapping, route planning and system functionality

Creating audio instructions to support turn-by-turn indoor navigation for vision impaired persons.

Wayfindr has worked with issue-area specialists and the ITU to develop and deliver the Wayfindr Accessible Audio Navigation e-learning course. As indoor digital navigation systems are deployed all over the world, there is a unique opportunity to make them more accessible by providing inclusive audio navigation in compliance with Recommendation ITU-T F.921.

The course price is $500 including all assessments and certificate of achievement. Book by the 30th November 2018. For more information go to Wayfindr website. THE DEADLINE TO SUBMIT LETTERS OF INTENT FOR 2019 SIGHTFIRST RESEARCH PROGRAM IS DECEMBER 30, 2018

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The Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF) provides funds to support public health research initiatives that evaluate and directly influence the operation of the SightFirst program, Lions’ premier initiative to strengthen eye care systems in underserved communities.

SightFirst research grants of up to US$100,000 will be awarded to support an experienced individual, institution, organization or consortium engaged in a public health research project to be completed in less than 36 months. Projects are aimed at demonstrating effective and safe public health approaches to:

1. Provide high quality cataract surgery to underserved populations as part of the development of comprehensive eye care services;

2. Capitalize upon the investment made in trachoma elimination (S component) to advance the provision of sustainable comprehensive eye care services;

3. Reduce and correct refractive errors as part of the provision of sustainable comprehensive eye care services with an emphasis on school-based efforts;

4. Promote cooperation between diabetic retinopathy and diabetes mellitus care providers to ensure the provision of patient-centered care;

5. Overcome barriers to compliance with diabetic retinopathy screening and management;

6. Undertake first-time Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness surveys (RAABs) in the following countries/regions: Western and Central Africa, Oceania, Southern Latin America, Europe, and Central Asia or;

7. Develop and field test a protocol, including questionnaire, to assess prevalence of main causes of ocular morbidity and vision loss in a representative sample of all-ages of a population.

The deadline for Letters of Intent (LOI) is December 30, 2018. Invitations to submit full proposals will be distributed no later than January 18, 2019, with full proposals due by March 25, 2019. Grants will be approved by LCIF and commence in August 2019. Read full details on IAPB website.

REMINDER: CONTACT INFORMATION

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Friendly reminder to members: Please check your contact information on our website to ensure that it is up to date at: Member Regions and Organizations: http://www.worldblindunion.org/English/about-wbu/membership/Pages/Member-Regions-and-Organizations.aspxShould you change your contact information any time please update us. You can contact Ianina at ianina.rodriguez@wbu.ngo

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR RESPONSE TO WBU MESSAGE OF SOLIDARITY FOLLOWING DEVASTATING EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI IN INDONESIA On behalf of Pertuni – Indonesian Blind Union, we thank you for your kind message and concern towards what has been happening in the Center of Sulawesi. It was kind of shock for us, because on the day when the earthquake and tsunami happened, people in Palu - the capital city - were celebrating the city anniversary on the beach. Pertuni local board and its members also participated in the event by having exhibition. We are still trying to communicate with them. We are able to contact the chair of the local chapter; but still do not know yet how the others are.

Aria IndrawatiPresident, Indonesian Blind Union4 October 2018

Dear Ms. Aria,On behalf of the President of Thailand Association of the Blind, we express our keep condolences for those who lost their lives during the tsunami. We hope all the members of Pertuni chapter are safe.All the best,Dr. Nantanoot Sawannawut (Apple)4 October 2018

Send your letters to Terry.Mutuku@wbu.ngo

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PICTORIAL NEWS

WBU first Vice President, Mr. Fernando Riaño (Right) and his guide, Mr. J. Celada, during the Zofingen ITU Powerman Long Distance Duathlon World Championships race in Zofingen, Switzerland (Full story on page 6)

THE WBU REGIONS Our regions are the bridge between the international level of work and the local level. Policies and treaties constructed at global levels are then carried out by our members in their own countries. Most of the regions have their own websites where they post updates on their work, member activities, and upcoming events in their area.

AFRICAhttp://www.afub-uafa.orgASIA Website is currently unavailableASIA-PACIFIC http://wbuap.org/index/EUROPE http://www.euroblind.orgLATIN AMERICA http://ulacdigital.org

NORTH AMERICA/THE CARIBBEAN Website is currently unavailable

WBU TABLE OFFICERS Dr. Fredric K. Schroeder, Presidentpresident@wbu.ngo Mr. Fernando Riaño 1st Vice Presidentfriano@ilunion.com

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Ms Donatilla Kanimba2nd Vice Presidentdonakanimba@gmail.com

Ms. Martine Abel-Williamson Treasurermartine.Abel@aucklandcouncil.govt.nzMr. A. K. MittalSecretary Generalmittal24ak@gmail.com

Mr. Arnt HolteImmediate Past President arnt.holte@blindeforbundet.no

REGIONAL PRESIDENTS

AFRICA (AFUB)Mr. Yaw Ofori-Debra yawdebra2015@gmail.com

ASIA (ABU)Mr. Santosh Kumar Rungta nfbsec.g@gmail.com

ASIA PACIFIC (WBU-AP)Ms. Michiko Tabata tabacchi@par.odn.ne.jp

EUROPE (EBU)Mr. Wolfgang Angermann ebupresident@euroblind.org

LATIN AMERICA (ULAC)Mr. Volmir Raimondi presidencia@ulacdigital.orgNORTH AMERICA/CARIBBEAN (WBU-NA/C)Mr. Charles Mossop charles.mossop@cnib.ca

WBU STAFF Mr. Jose VieraChief Executive Officerjose.viera@wbu.ngo

Ms. Terry Mutuku Communications Officerterry.mutuku@wbu.ngo

Ms. Florence NdagireHuman Rights Policy AdvisorFlorence.Ndagire@wbu.ngo

Ms. Ianina Rodriguez Administrative Assistant Ianina.rodriguez@wbu.ngo

The World Blind Union is registered in Canada as a charitable organization in order to raise funds for our work. Donations from individuals or groups are always appreciated and can be made via the “Donate Now” button on our website: http://www.wbu.ngo.OUR SPONSORS

Members listed below provide funds beyond their membership fees to support the work of the World Blind Union. We are grateful to these members and organizations for their valued contributions.

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Our Platinum Sponsors CBM International http://www.cbm.org/ Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) http://www.cnib.ca Open Society Institute Foundation (FOSI)

https://www.opensocietyfoundations.org/ Organización Nacional de Ciegos Españoles (ONCE)

http://www.once.es/new/ Sightsavers International http://www.sightsavers.org Vision Australia http://www.visionaustralia.org/

Our Diamond Sponsors Swiss Federation of the Blind and Sight Impaired (SFB) Norwegian Association of the Blind and Partially Sighted (NABP)

https://www.blindeforbundet.no

Our Gold Sponsors National Industries for the Blind (NIB) Danish Association of the Blind (DAB) German Federation of the Blind and Partially Sighted (DBSV).

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