Making a difference in the blind community
PAULSHOF – The College of Mobility and Orientation helps add value to the lives of blind people in South Africa.
The ability to see your surroundings and function in society without assistance is a skill most people may take for granted.
Head of the College of Orientation and Mobility in Paulshof, Debbie Speller (58) said simple tasks such as counting money, identifying objects and moving around are some of the challenges blind people face on a daily basis.
Orientation and mobility practitioner Isaac Mashiane (35) wanted to learn the skills to train blind people to have the skills for daily living. The inception of the college was to serve the purpose of training individuals to train blind people to help them function independently in society.
The college was established in 1974. Students complete a two year course for a Diploma in Orientation and Mobility, which is Services Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) accredited. Once qualified, they go back into their communities or offer their services to organisations to train blind individuals with every day living.
Phumzile Mhlabane (34) began her studies in January this year. She described her studying experience as positive and rewarding. ”We are trained blind-folded so we get first-hand experience on how blind people feel,”she said.
The college depends on donations from companies and private individuals and is sponsored by The South African Guide Dog Association for the Blind and the Mpumalanga Department of Health.
