The Blind Students Institute in Tirana can now benefit from a renovated resource centre which was inaugurated today in the presence of students, ministers, civil society, and media.
The Institute features now a modern laboratory for Braille books production well-equipped with tools for printing or embossing academic literature. A renovated book and music audio-recording studio is also completed, with both software and hardware specifically designed for visually impaired people. After the renovation work all premises in the facility are made physically accessible as well.
This Swiss-funded, UN-implemented investment benefits directly 65 students of the Institute, of which 15 girls, and 36 blind persons who use the facilities of this Institute. However the entire community of blind people will be able to access braille-printed resources and audio books and recordings.
In addition to the new facilities, the Ministry of Social Welfare and Youth presented the new National Action Plan for Persons with Disabilities 2016-2020. The Plan, which was approved by a government decision in June 2016, addresses problems faced by persons with disabilities, and proposes interventions to promote inclusion, prevent discrimination and eliminate barriers in accessing services and rights.
“The two new laboratories with renovated premises and equipment will enable the visually impaired students to increase knowledge and skills. A society is as healthy as its more vulnerable parts. When the potential of persons with disabilities is fully exploited, the whole society will benefit in the long run - economically and in terms of social cohesion”, said Swiss Ambassador Christoph Graf.
Minister of Social Welfare and Youth Blendi Klosi said: "I am deeply grateful and thankful to the Swiss government and UNDP for their support in realising a promise to improve educational capacities not only for these children, but for all visually-impaired people".
UN Resident Coordinator in Albania Brian Williams stated that "removing barriers in learning is key to realizing the full participation of people with disability in society and this is what we are aiming to achieve with this intervention and I would like t thank the Swiss Government for their support".
The new premises help the transformation of the Blind Students Institute into a resource centre that facilitates inclusive education for blind children and adults. On the other hand, the Action Plan outlines measures to be taken on behalf of disabled persons including physical accessibility and access to information, employment and vocational education, and social and health care. It also addresses issues related to participation in political and public life of persons with disabilities.
