Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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What advantages does your country offer the blind? (self.Blind)
submitted by Mariano-CWB
I'm Brazilian. The Brazilian State offers many things to the blind.
We have the world's most advanced law on people with disabilities. And we have several affirmative actions.
For example:
We have quotas to enter the public service.
We have quotas in Universities.
We prefer service anywhere.
We have priority in the income tax refund.
We have free electricity bills in some places.
We have free public transport.
We are entitled to a state pension if we are unemployed or if we earn low wages.
Government websites are accessible.
All public service is accessible.
All civilian life is accessible: ATMs, electronic voting machines.
We have specific parking spaces for vehicles, even if we don't drive.
We have preference in the processing of cases in justice.
We have a screen reader developed at a public university.
The Brazilian State is usually benevolent to the blind, but I would like to know how it is in other countries?
Where you are from?
What country do you live in?
What does your country's government offer for the blind?
I'd like to talk about it...
We have the world's most advanced law on people with disabilities. And we have several affirmative actions.
For example:
We have quotas to enter the public service.
We have quotas in Universities.
We prefer service anywhere.
We have priority in the income tax refund.
We have free electricity bills in some places.
We have free public transport.
We are entitled to a state pension if we are unemployed or if we earn low wages.
Government websites are accessible.
All public service is accessible.
All civilian life is accessible: ATMs, electronic voting machines.
We have specific parking spaces for vehicles, even if we don't drive.
We have preference in the processing of cases in justice.
We have a screen reader developed at a public university.
The Brazilian State is usually benevolent to the blind, but I would like to know how it is in other countries?
Where you are from?
What country do you live in?
What does your country's government offer for the blind?
I'd like to talk about it...
razzretina 24 points 1y ago
Wow maybe I should move to Brazil heh.
The US kind of hates its disabled people. We can get a monthly pension if we can’t work but it has a lot of restrictions and is not enough to really live on.
There are laws for fair treatment of the blind and disabled but they aren’t always enforced (there’s a lot of discrimination against blind workers even though there are laws against that).
We do usually get audio description in most cinemas though.
The US kind of hates its disabled people. We can get a monthly pension if we can’t work but it has a lot of restrictions and is not enough to really live on.
There are laws for fair treatment of the blind and disabled but they aren’t always enforced (there’s a lot of discrimination against blind workers even though there are laws against that).
We do usually get audio description in most cinemas though.
razzretina 12 points 1y ago
Oh I forgot that we get mostly free medical care here too! Which is a huge plus considering the horror show that is the US healthcare system.
VicBulbon 12 points 1y ago
Thailand here. There's an embarrassingly low allowance of 1000 baht for blind people under 18 years old and 800 baht for those who are over 18, about 30$ and 25$ respectively per month. I would roughly guestimate Thailand's living cost at about 1 4th to 1 6th that of the US, but that amount is still clearly not enough for those who do not have a job. In terms of social benefits, it is much better. Education is free up to high school. There's also a proprietary scholarship for undergrad programs. That scholarship will comfortably cover most basic public university's programs, but might not fully cover English language programs or private colleges. Scholarships for grad school is also quite plentiful for the disabled, both domestic and international options. Health care is virtually free at all government hospitals. Every company public or private is required to hire a person with disability per 100 employee. It could be a direct hire or an outsource. There are moderate income tax benefits. Most public transports are free. Over all, not bad at all considering that we are a developing country. The allowance could use a boost though, however I understand that in a country where budget is tight, handing out cash is harder than giving free or low cost access to already existing programs such as schools and health care.
je97 2 points 1y ago
I'm sorry if this seems insensitive, but I visited Thailand not long ago and I'd love to know how you get around independently. There are so many roads that just lack anything approaching a pavement, and at least in phuket it seemed like people hadn't worked out what a road crossing was. How is it achieved?
VicBulbon 1 points 1y ago
Very fair point. Our roads are just terrible for any pedestrian, very bad for the blind, absolute nightmare for wheelchair users. Well, we just learn to use it the best we can. Be very good with the cane and walk slower. Places like Japan and the US is pure pleasure to experience as a blind person from Thailand.
je97 2 points 1y ago
I remember trying to get around, and even on the couple of routes I knew I'd be walking down not thinking about much and then 'Oh that's a stall selling fruit, that wasn't there yesterday'
[deleted] 8 points 1y ago
[deleted]
CosmicBunny97 6 points 1y ago
I'm in Australia. I'm happy to live here, even if it's not perfect.
We have the Disability Support Pension (Blind). This isn't means-tested so you can work alongside receiving it.
We have free public transport (I think plane tickets can be subsidised too?)
We have discounted taxi rides
We have the NDIS, which is controversial because it's a lot but I'm so, so grateful for it. Without it, I wouldn't be able to get out the house. It pays for JAWS (we don't have the $90 annual payment like the US), orientation and mobility, braille, etc etc. I contribute to my family by getting a cleaner and whatnot, I go out on social outings and have made new friends because of it.
Another person can get a discount or get into things free through the Companion Card.
So yeah, overall, I know Australia's imperfect (as is every country, really), but I like living here.
We have the Disability Support Pension (Blind). This isn't means-tested so you can work alongside receiving it.
We have free public transport (I think plane tickets can be subsidised too?)
We have discounted taxi rides
We have the NDIS, which is controversial because it's a lot but I'm so, so grateful for it. Without it, I wouldn't be able to get out the house. It pays for JAWS (we don't have the $90 annual payment like the US), orientation and mobility, braille, etc etc. I contribute to my family by getting a cleaner and whatnot, I go out on social outings and have made new friends because of it.
Another person can get a discount or get into things free through the Companion Card.
So yeah, overall, I know Australia's imperfect (as is every country, really), but I like living here.
Terry_Pie 2 points 1y ago
To add to what u/CosmicBunny97 has said:
The DSP (Blind) is the only (to the best of my knowledge) pension that is not means tested in Australia. Recipients are automatically eligible for international portability, which means payments continue for an indefinite period when outside Australia, albeit at a slightly reduce rate after four or six weeks (I forget). All other pension payments are paused after four or six weeks (again, I forget) when outside Australia.
Further, DSP (Blind) recipients are exempt from the Medicare levy. The levy is 2% of income and goes towards funding our health system. Exemption is claimed during the tax return process.
Another ancillary benefit is that because DSP (Blind) recipients are concession card holders, we receive concession pricing on doctor's visits and prescription medication that is listed on the Pharmaceuticals Benefit Scheme (PBS). In practice, this benefit means DSP (Blind) recipients have no gap (bill) to pay when visiting a doctor that bulk bills and that your average PBS prescription medication is usually $4 a script, rather than the normal $16 (note these prices vary slightly from medication to medication).
Travel Pass (free public transport) cards are issued on a state by state basis, but can be used in any other state. Depending on the state you are in the benefits are slightly different. In most states they entitle the holder plus another person with the holder to free public transport. In South Australia however they only entitle the holder to free public transport and another person with the holder is eligible for concession ticket pricing. South Australia has a separate card that entitles the person accompanying the holder to free public transport. The only reason I can give for this setup is bureaucracy.
In the past, people who're blind have also received discounted interstate train travel. This benefit is variable however and interstate trains are more leisure trips than practical journeys in Australia.
In addition to benefits through the NDIS, there is also the Job Access program. This program funds reasonable and necessary workplace modifications. In the case of people who're blind and vision impaired, it can be used to pay for Jaws (which remains a personal licence).
The DSP (Blind) is the only (to the best of my knowledge) pension that is not means tested in Australia. Recipients are automatically eligible for international portability, which means payments continue for an indefinite period when outside Australia, albeit at a slightly reduce rate after four or six weeks (I forget). All other pension payments are paused after four or six weeks (again, I forget) when outside Australia.
Further, DSP (Blind) recipients are exempt from the Medicare levy. The levy is 2% of income and goes towards funding our health system. Exemption is claimed during the tax return process.
Another ancillary benefit is that because DSP (Blind) recipients are concession card holders, we receive concession pricing on doctor's visits and prescription medication that is listed on the Pharmaceuticals Benefit Scheme (PBS). In practice, this benefit means DSP (Blind) recipients have no gap (bill) to pay when visiting a doctor that bulk bills and that your average PBS prescription medication is usually $4 a script, rather than the normal $16 (note these prices vary slightly from medication to medication).
Travel Pass (free public transport) cards are issued on a state by state basis, but can be used in any other state. Depending on the state you are in the benefits are slightly different. In most states they entitle the holder plus another person with the holder to free public transport. In South Australia however they only entitle the holder to free public transport and another person with the holder is eligible for concession ticket pricing. South Australia has a separate card that entitles the person accompanying the holder to free public transport. The only reason I can give for this setup is bureaucracy.
In the past, people who're blind have also received discounted interstate train travel. This benefit is variable however and interstate trains are more leisure trips than practical journeys in Australia.
In addition to benefits through the NDIS, there is also the Job Access program. This program funds reasonable and necessary workplace modifications. In the case of people who're blind and vision impaired, it can be used to pay for Jaws (which remains a personal licence).
CosmicBunny97 2 points 1y ago
Wow, I actually learnt so much from this comment. Thanks for your insight! I also completely forgot about JobAccess myself, that's another benefit.
Terry_Pie 1 points 1y ago
Null sweat. One more bonus tit bit: if you ever visit Melbourne, your travel pass let's you ride free on the Sky Bus (the bus service from Melbourne airport to Southern Cross station), just show your pass at the ticketing office.
clowntanner 1 points 1y ago
In the process of entering the system.
DSP seems good - I can still work and get the benefits ? No other disability gets this upside..? My biggest fingers crossed is the transport enabling side of NDIS.....holding out to find what I'm able to use it for to get around and be mo
bile in the city again.
DSP seems good - I can still work and get the benefits ? No other disability gets this upside..? My biggest fingers crossed is the transport enabling side of NDIS.....holding out to find what I'm able to use it for to get around and be mo
bile in the city again.
CosmicBunny97 1 points 1y ago
Unfortunately, the transport is $100 a fortnight and you'd have to mention why you'd need it (for example, work or volunteering, uni, leisure). I use mine if I'm going into the ity for O&M training and other reasons, but use support workers to drive me around to other things.
clowntanner 1 points 1y ago
Oh wow that's not a lot at all. Without understanding how the system works, it seems like the Taxi subsidy would be significantly better in some instances....
How do you find the support worker system? Simple or do you have to plan well in advance ?
How do you find the support worker system? Simple or do you have to plan well in advance ?
CosmicBunny97 1 points 1y ago
I would definitely recommend the taxi subsidy. I’m going to apply for it soon myself. Finding support workers is tricky, I still need to keep looking, but it’s nice to have one around. I’ve got one who I do more fun stuff with because she lives further away, and another who lives closer but I’m not sure if she’ll stick around.
[deleted] 4 points 1y ago
[deleted]
LAZNS_TheSadBlindAce 3 points 1y ago
You are making me jealous! :(
Dolted_Dunce 2 points 1y ago
Hello OP, may you know of any organizations (state or NGO ones) similar to NFB, Lighthouse, vocational rehab. centers or others in the country?
Navigating the sub, I always see those pointed out as resources, but I'm totally unaware of such in here ...
Navigating the sub, I always see those pointed out as resources, but I'm totally unaware of such in here ...
Mariano-CWB [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Hi! I don't have English as my native language. I don't know if I understand your question.
Brazil has several public and philanthropic associations that work with the blind: Fundação Dorina Nowill, Fundação Benjamin Constante, Instituto Paranaense for the blind...
There are several large associations and many other smaller associations.
Every major city has at least one rehabilitation association for the blind.
Brazil has several public and philanthropic associations that work with the blind: Fundação Dorina Nowill, Fundação Benjamin Constante, Instituto Paranaense for the blind...
There are several large associations and many other smaller associations.
Every major city has at least one rehabilitation association for the blind.
Dolted_Dunce 2 points 1y ago
I'm glad to hear that! However, I had a faint hope of there being some "major" one, "de referência" or something.
Oh well! When the time comes, I'll have to make my own research & dip the feet in the water anyways.
But considering the general outlook of the country, I'm really happy there are plenty resources for the community.
Oh well! When the time comes, I'll have to make my own research & dip the feet in the water anyways.
But considering the general outlook of the country, I'm really happy there are plenty resources for the community.
Blind_Insider 2 points 1y ago
here in Mexico there are not many benefits for blind people. Only some can obtain a pension that does not exceed $75 per month, the only additional benefit is free transportation in some areas and 50% discounts on the payment of water and the payment of the house for the taxes generated annually.
SiriuslyGranger 1 points 11m ago
United states here. And big fan of it best country in the world for the blind.
Americans with disability act is big. Ideia/or idea for school aged kids, very helpful stuff.
We also have civil rights and civil liberties here. Two sides of the same coin very useful concepts.
If you need it we have ssdi and ssi which are two programs and a few other welfare type stuff.
Us is capitalistic or market based so equal opportunity. If you want to try yeah. You have a chance.
Lots of legislation and help going on, and accessibility is up to par, with building codes and stuff of that nature.
Americans with disability act is big. Ideia/or idea for school aged kids, very helpful stuff.
We also have civil rights and civil liberties here. Two sides of the same coin very useful concepts.
If you need it we have ssdi and ssi which are two programs and a few other welfare type stuff.
Us is capitalistic or market based so equal opportunity. If you want to try yeah. You have a chance.
Lots of legislation and help going on, and accessibility is up to par, with building codes and stuff of that nature.
leanywave420 1 points 11m ago
Germany here. In general our constitution forbids any discrimination against disabled people in all areas of daily life (private life, work life etc).
We offer all disabled people services in rehabilitation and services for participation in education programs or job consultations. You can get financial support and have access to a number of support programs.
In context of our employment law Germany sets incentives for employers and tries to ensure that disabled people get a job that suits their individual needs. Your working place has to be accessible.
We have a classification for the degree of disability (GdB), which determines what benefits you get. If your GdB is higher than 50 you are strongly disabled (schwerbehindert). Than you have all the rights attached to this status. That means you can get free public transportation and in some cases can take one person with you. You get five extra holidays when you're employed and you are protected against dismissal.
Although that seems to be a good foundation, in practice not everything is nearly as accessible for disabled people and the office system makes it hard to apply for services or the process is just very long and so complicated that it gets hard to get what you would need.
We offer all disabled people services in rehabilitation and services for participation in education programs or job consultations. You can get financial support and have access to a number of support programs.
In context of our employment law Germany sets incentives for employers and tries to ensure that disabled people get a job that suits their individual needs. Your working place has to be accessible.
We have a classification for the degree of disability (GdB), which determines what benefits you get. If your GdB is higher than 50 you are strongly disabled (schwerbehindert). Than you have all the rights attached to this status. That means you can get free public transportation and in some cases can take one person with you. You get five extra holidays when you're employed and you are protected against dismissal.
Although that seems to be a good foundation, in practice not everything is nearly as accessible for disabled people and the office system makes it hard to apply for services or the process is just very long and so complicated that it gets hard to get what you would need.
darealy 1 points 1y ago
In Canada if you Are blind you can get free transportation on the bus also a different provinces offer discounted taxi service. And there are also some provences who offer a card that lets you access many attractions and cities with a free guest who can guide you around. There are also monthly disability payments that the blind can apply for along with those payments the government offers many resources to help you get a job and pay for any accommodations that your employer may need to get to help you keep the job
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