blind charity organization

2. The Do’s and Don’ts of Helping a Blind Person The Do’s and Don’ts of Helping a Blind Person There are a lot of misconceptions around blindness. Many people are hesitant to interact with blind people and despite an underlying desire to help, they hold themselves back to avoid an awkward encounter. Here are some simple ways you can assist blind people on a day-to-day basis, and some strategies you might want to steer clear of.

3. 1. Do Include them The most important thing you can do for a blind person, or any person really, is to be friendly, include them socially and engage in conversation with them. Unfortunately, even the most outgoing and friendly blind people, cannot always initiate conversation. There’s nothing worse than leaving someone out of a conversation just because they cannot see nonverbal cues. 2. Don’t assume they are helpless While blind people may require assistance in certain circumstances, don’t always assume that because they cannot see, they are incapable. Blind and visually impaired people learn to do some amazing things without their sight and they are often more independent than you think. Don’t assume they need help with basic tasks that you would rely on your sight to perform.

4. 3. Do communicate clearly with them Because of their inability to interpret body language, it is very important to communicate clearly with your words when speaking to people who are blind. In regular conversations, significant information and subliminal messages are often conveyed through the movement of our hands and the expressions on our face. Thus, it is crucial to compensate for this by using clear words and effective intonation.

5. 4. Don’t do stupid things Don’t shout at them, they are not deaf. Don’t touch them excessively, nobody likes being touched by strangers. Don’t ask stupid questions like “why do you even bother getting your hair styled?” Don’t give them backhanded compliments like “you don’t look blind”. In short, apply some common sense and basic sensitivity when interacting with blind and visually impaired people. 5. Do speak directly to them When you want to communicate with them, speak to them, not the person they are with. There is nothing that frustrates blind people more than people thinking they are non-verbal or incapable of having a conversation. Non- sighted people do not enjoy being treated as if they are incompetent, so speak directly to them, rather than their companion.

6. 6. Don’t speak to or pet their guide dog without consulting them first Guide dogs are at work and they can be the difference between life or death in certain situations. They are trained to ignore outside distractions to focus solely on the job. No matter how cute, don’t try put them off their game by touching, whistling or speaking to them.

7. 7. Do raise their awareness to new technologies There has been rapid development in vision innovation technology, that is able to provide blind and visually impaired people with greater independence. Do tell them about new technologies, but remember they’re probably more of an expert in technologies and support aids than you are. Nonetheless, there is no harm in discussing technology devices such as OrCam MyEye, Dot or Blitab, which may be able to instill their lives with greater independence. 8. Don’t compare Blindness is just a single trait. It doesn’t dictate personality, or character traits or hobbies. Just because someone who is blind can do something independently or likes audio books or dresses in a certain way, does not mean that someone else does as well. Even within the non-sighted community, there is great diversity, so don’t pool them all into a single basket.

8. 9. Do lend a hand where appropriate Getting into a car, taking the stairs, moving through tight spaces or crowded areas, are all opportunities to offer a guiding arm. The key here is to offer help, which they will accept or refuse. Don’t go overboard in pushing them to accept your assistance if they do not want it.

9. 10. Don’t avoid common phrases unnecessarily Despite popular opinion, phrases such as “see you later” or “it looks like” are not going to offend a blind person, and in fact they use the same phrases themselves. You do not have to follow up these expressions with an outlandish and meaningless apology. 11. Do give directions carefully If a blind person asks you for directions, do not use gestures to explain the way. Rather, try to help according to the way they are facing directions. You can also ask them if they are familiar with the area and street names. This is the best way to assist blind people on the streets, ensuring their way is secured.

10. 12. Do not grab while waiting for lights Helping a blind man cross the street is the most anxious time for others. When you see a blind man waiting for the green light, do not grab him to cross the street. Many locations have systems for blind and visually impaired people, such as talking traffic lights. If you want to guide a blind person, mention it by saying “Oh, finally a green light” to yourself.

11. 13. Do not feel sad when rejected Kindly asking “May I assist you?” to a blind person is the most preferred way to show you care. Blind people do not need support all the time, and when they reject your assistance, don’t let it get you down. It is a clear sign that the blind person knows the area and does not need further assistance. Do not take this personally or as an insult. Well there you have it- a few simple tips on how to interact with blind people. By taking a small step outside your comfort zone, you may well make someone’s day. And you know what? You might just find yourself a new friend as well.

12. ABOUT US ABOUT US Its beginning was made by respected Shri Ballubhai Desai who was an active work of Satya Sai Seva Samiti and who recognized the need of readers, audio cassettes, etc. felt by blind college students. It was a challenge and Shri Ballubhai accepted to meet the demand. He has been active in the field for last ten years or more . Shri Kantibhai who received education and benefitted from Blind Donation Organization has not joined this noble mission with zeal. He has taken over from Shri Ballubhai who has got 5000 cassettes made for the blind, but on account of his old age was unable to continue to serve and mange the updkeep of the cassettes, which work would otherwise be done by some registered organization. So Shri Kantibhai offered blind charity organization for the same. Shri Kantibhai himself is also one who has lost his eyesight. He came to Ahmedabad for studies from a village and has been devoted to serve the blind students. He has his own experience of the difficulties faced by blind young boys and girls (brothers-sisters) who come for studies. He felt inspired and wanted to help others so that they could be spared from the troubles faced by himself. He had realized that education alone gave one self respect and honor and status in society as he had himself benefitted from studying in schools and colleges run by society as a result of which he determined to establish an organization offering facilities and living accommodation to the blind students who come to study here as well as other employed blind people and that intuition in our “NAVJYOT ANDHJAN MANDAL”

13. Donations Eligible Under Section 80G and 80GGA Many of us at some point in our lives have contemplated giving to charity and doing our bit for society. It is a commendable thing to donate to a cause that you sincerely believe in, and make a difference. Given the nobility of this gesture, the government extends its full support towards charitable services. Section 80G of the Indian Income Tax Act allows you a tax deduction on donations made to any blind charity organization. Section 80G Contributions made to certain relief funds and charitable institutions can be claimed as a deduction under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act. All donations, however, are not eligible for deductions under section 80G. Only donations made to prescribed funds qualify as a deduction. This deduction can be claimed by any taxpayer – individuals, companies, firms or any other person.

14. Blindness is also one form of Godliness or God. To help in overcoming the miseries caused by such a natural (God Given) defect we have begun as a part of activity to our best capacity, this “JANAN YAJNA” . CONTACT US Address : Khodiyar Chok , Nr. Khodiyar Temple, B/H Atul Singtel, Paldi Gaam, Paldi, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380007. Phone : 9726884422 Email : navjyotandhjanmandal@gmail.com