According to the Public Relations and International Affairs Department of the State Welfare Organization of Iran, Seyed Javad Hosseini made the remarks at a ceremony organized by the Association of the Blind, where a number of outstanding individuals with visual impairments were honored.
Referring to the Organization’s services for persons who are blind or have low vision, Hosseini stated that more than 265,000 individuals currently benefit from SWO support. These services cover a range of areas, including education, the provision of assistive and rehabilitation equipment, environmental accessibility, livelihood assistance, employment, and housing.
Highlighting the importance of prevention and early intervention, he noted that these efforts, particularly those aimed at preventing visual impairments, are carried out in cooperation with the National Organization for Special Education. To date, more than 64 million screening examinations for amblyopia (lazy eye) have been conducted, helping approximately 500,000 people avoid vision loss or low vision through early detection and intervention.
Regarding livelihood support, the Head of SWO stated that more than 196,000 persons who are blind receive monthly pensions, while over 27,000 receive financial assistance. In addition, approximately 11,000 benefit from transportation services, and around 8,000 receive nursing care allowances.
Emphasizing the importance of expanding cultural and artistic activities for persons with disabilities, Hosseini said that art rooms have been established in 160 rehabilitation centers and that more than 300 artistic groups receive support from the Organization. He added that disability art centers have recently been established, providing additional opportunities for persons who are blind or have low vision to participate in artistic and cultural activities.
He further noted that persons with visual impairments can also benefit from SWO employment and housing support programs. A recruitment examination under the three-percent employment quota for persons with disabilities is scheduled for November 19, and he expressed hope that a significant proportion of successful candidates would be persons who are blind or have low vision.
Concluding his remarks, Hosseini stressed the need to ensure the independent and effective participation of persons with visual impairments in society. He expressed hope that, through collective efforts, the issue of blindness and low vision could be addressed not only at the individual level but also within families, local communities, and society as a whole.
He emphasized that improving environmental accessibility, reducing risks, and removing barriers would help ensure that persons who are blind or have low vision, like all other citizens, can enjoy a more dignified life and equal opportunities.
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