Our Vision.
To promote the needs, interests and aspirations of the visually impaired as a unified network working toward the same goals and objectives. We want people to see sight loss differently!
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Welcome to VNVO - Empowering the Visual-Non Visual Community
At VNVO, we are dedicated to championing the rights and enhancing the quality of life for the blind and visually impaired community. Our organization is founded on the belief that visual impairment should never be a barrier to leading a fulfilling and independent lifestyle.
What do we mean by “Visual-Non Visual”? We recognize and honor the diverse ways in which individuals perceive and experience the world around them. We understand that intelligence and development can flourish even without relying on visual stimuli. Our goal is to create a society that appreciates and supports these unique perspectives, creating an inclusive environment for those who navigate the world with non-visual senses.
Let’s take a closer look at Malta, where we proudly showcase our efforts. From the bustling streets of Smartcity to the historic charm of Mdina, there is a lack of common knowledge about the challenges faced by the visually impaired community in these darker, ambient environments. This lack of awareness often leads to social exclusion, limiting the opportunities available to those with visual impairments.
At VNVO, we are committed to changing this narrative. We strive to generate a high-quality darkness ambient lifestyle, where individuals with visual impairments can thrive and lead fulfilling lives. We understand that achieving this vision requires financial support and collaboration from various stakeholders, including government ministries and funding bodies.
By providing the necessary resources and funding, we can empower the blind and visually impaired community to overcome the barriers they face. Through awareness campaigns, advocacy efforts, and innovative programs, we aim to create a society that embraces diversity and inclusivity.
Join us on our mission to create a world where the blind and visually impaired can live with dignity, independence, and equal opportunities. Together, we can build a brighter future for the Visual-Non Visual community.
Areas of life with sight-loss that we are inspired in supporting the community.
Visually Impaired
Vision impairment means that a person's eyesight cannot be corrected to a “normal” level. Vision impairment may be caused by a loss of visual acuity, where the eye does not see objects as clearly as usual.
Community connection and wellbeing
Discover numerous opportunities to connect and share experiences with other blind and partially sighted people. You can also find advice on how to look after your well-being.
Living with sight loss
If you're affected by sight loss, we're here for you. We can help you to find the right assistive technology, support you in education and work, access financial help, and much more. We're here to help you live the life you want.
Accessible streets for everyone
Being able to get around safely is important for everyone, but much of our transport - and even our streets – is still inaccessible. RNIB campaigns to make our streets and public transport safe and accessible to all.
Assistive aids and technology
At Beyond Light, we believe in the power of technology to assist people with sight loss to be independent, access information, grasp opportunities, and be creative. We have lots of information to help you whether you are starting out or want more in-depth help.
Our Mission
Empowering Self-Reliance and Integration
Our mission is to help the visually impaired help themselves by acquiring new skills and gaining self-reliance to cope with the integration into society.
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Our Mission
At VNVO, our mission is to empower the visually impaired community through the acquisition of new skills and fostering self-reliance. We strive to support individuals in their journey towards integration into society, enabling them to lead independent and fulfilling lives. Together, we are breaking barriers and creating a more inclusive future for the visually impaired
Quality Independent Lifestyle Growth
Our Initiative: Promoting Community, Social Entrepreneurship, Non-Visual Tourism, and Tandem Bicycle Tours
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Quality Independent Lifestyle Growth
We are dedicated to fostering a vibrant community that embraces social entrepreneurship and empowers individuals with visual impairments to explore the world of non-visual tourism. Through our exciting tandem bicycle tours, we create opportunities for both personal growth and a high-quality, independent lifestyle experience.
We are committed to creating a brighter future for the visually impaired community, and in collaboration with the Ministry for Agriculture, we have set an ambitious goal for 2024. Our visually impaired farmer team aims to provide fresh, locally sourced, and locally produced stevia plant-based products to every household in Malta and Gozo. This commitment spans across 2023 and 2024, as we work towards establishing a niche market supported by the Maltese farmer community. In addition, we take pride in our Braille brand products, which will be commercialized as part of our endeavor to empower the visually impaired through meaningful economic opportunities.
Visual Non-Visual Education
Revolutionizing Education for the Visually Impaired: Exploring Alternative Methods and Empowering Learning.
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Visual Non-Visual Education
Unlocking Possibilities: Alternative Education Methods and Art Beyond Lights for the Blind Culture
In our pursuit of inclusive education, we are dedicated to revolutionizing the learning experience for the visually impaired community. By exploring innovative and alternative methods, we empower individuals with visual impairments to access knowledge, develop skills, and thrive academically.
At VNVO, we firmly believe in the power of education to transform lives. We recognize that traditional educational approaches may not fully cater to the unique needs of the visually impaired community. That’s why we are passionate about exploring alternative methods that empower individuals with visual impairments to reach their full potential.
One of our key focuses is on developing innovative educational approaches that go beyond visual stimuli. We aim to create inclusive learning environments where blind students can thrive academically and personally. By incorporating multi-sensory techniques, tactile learning materials, and adaptive technologies, we provide students with a rich educational experience that caters to their individual learning styles.
Additionally, we recognize the importance of art as a means of self-expression and creative exploration. Art Beyond Lights is an initiative we have launched to promote artistic endeavors among the visually impaired community. Through tactile art forms, such as sculpture, ceramics, and textile arts, individuals with visual impairments can engage in artistic expression and experience the beauty of art through touch and other senses.
In our commitment to fostering a holistic educational experience, we also emphasize the significance of cultural enrichment and heritage preservation. We actively promote educational programs that enable visually impaired individuals to learn about their cultural roots, traditions, and history. Through interactive workshops, audio recordings, and inclusive cultural events, we ensure that blind individuals can actively participate in and contribute to their cultural heritage.
Moreover, we strive to bridge the digital divide by providing access to digital technologies and resources. We promote the use of screen readers, adaptive software, and assistive devices that enable visually impaired individuals to access information, engage in online learning platforms, and participate in the digital world.
In summary, our organization is dedicated to pioneering alternative education methods that empower the visually impaired community. By fostering inclusive learning environments, promoting art beyond lights, preserving cultural heritage, and bridging the digital divide, we are committed to unlocking a world of possibilities for the blind culture. Together, we can ensure that every individual, regardless of visual impairment, has equal access to education, art, and cultural enrichment.
Hygenic & Safe Pedestrian Management
Ensuring Hygienic and Safe Pedestrian Management: Prioritizing Public Health and Safety.
visual non-visual network
Hygenic & Safe Pedestrian Management
At VNVO, we are delighted to have the support and collaboration of the Prime Minister of Malta as we undertake our crucial tasks and responsibilities towards achieving safe and hygienic pedestrian management. Our core focus and prime initiative revolve around ensuring specialized accessibility for every blind or visually impaired individual by 2030, right at their doorsteps. By implementing these measures, we aim to alleviate the fears and challenges faced by the blind and visually impaired community when navigating public places, streets, pavements, and more.
We understand the significance of creating an inclusive and safe environment for pedestrians of all abilities. To achieve this, we are actively working towards developing comprehensive solutions that address the specific needs of the blind and visually impaired. Our initiatives include:
Enhanced Infrastructure: We advocate for the implementation of specialized infrastructure modifications to improve accessibility for individuals with visual impairments. This involves the installation of tactile paving, audible signals at traffic crossings, and the elimination of physical barriers that hinder independent mobility.
Education and Awareness: We believe that education and awareness play a pivotal role in promoting safe pedestrian management. We conduct awareness campaigns and educational programs to foster understanding and empathy among the general public, highlighting the challenges faced by individuals with visual impairments and encouraging responsible behavior towards their safety.
Collaboration with Government Authorities: We work closely with government authorities, including transportation departments and urban planning agencies, to incorporate accessibility standards and guidelines into urban development plans. By collaborating with relevant stakeholders, we can ensure that the needs of the blind and visually impaired community are considered in the design and implementation of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
Technological Innovations: We actively explore and promote the use of technological innovations to enhance pedestrian safety. This includes the development of smart navigation systems, mobile applications, and wearable devices that assist individuals with visual impairments in navigating their surroundings with ease and confidence.
Through these efforts, we strive to create an environment where every blind or visually impaired person can move freely and independently, without compromising their safety or well-being. We are dedicated to collaborating with stakeholders, raising awareness, and implementing practical solutions to achieve hygienic and safe pedestrian management. Together, we can ensure that our public spaces are inclusive, accessible, and welcoming to all members of society.
Your Donation Our Motivation
Make a difference together: Your generous financial support is instrumental in driving positive change for the blind and visually impaired community. With your contribution, we can enhance accessibility, foster education, promote independence, and empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives. Join us in making a lasting impact and creating a more inclusive and equitable world for all.
SUPPORT
Empowering Employment: Supporting Visually Impaired Individuals in the Workplace
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SUPPORT
At VNVO, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive employment advice and information to an increasing number of visually impaired individuals. Our focus extends beyond helping them secure employment; we also strive to support and enable them to thrive in their respective workplaces. Through tailored guidance, accessibility solutions, and ongoing support, we empower visually impaired individuals to overcome barriers and remain engaged in fulfilling and meaningful work. With our commitment to fostering inclusive and accessible work environments, we aim to create a society where every visually impaired person can achieve their professional goals and contribute their valuable skills and talents.
HURDLES OF LIFE
Overcoming Life's Hurdles: Providing Vital Emotional Support to Eye Clinic Patients
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HURDLES OF LIFE
In the face of challenging circumstances, our dedicated team offers invaluable emotional support to patients, their friends, and their families at eye clinics. We understand the impact that visual impairment can have on individuals and their loved ones, and we are committed to providing a compassionate and understanding space where they can express their concerns, fears, and emotions. By offering a supportive network, we help individuals navigate the hurdles of life with strength and resilience, ensuring they feel empowered and supported throughout their journey.
FINANCES
Empowering Change: Raising Financial Aid to Support the Blind and Partially Sighted
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FINANCES
Through the generous support of our dedicated supporters, we are continuously raising funds to provide essential financial aid to empower and uplift blind and partially sighted individuals. These financial resources enable us to offer vital programs, services, and resources that enhance their quality of life, promote independence, and create opportunities for personal growth. With every donation, we are making a tangible impact and transforming the lives of those within the visually impaired community. Together, we are building a brighter and more inclusive future for all.
As a non-governmental organization (NGO), we understand the challenges of securing traditional funding avenues. Instead, our members come together and raise funds from their own pockets, ensuring a sustainable flow of resources. To streamline the process and create a one-stop-shop for blind individuals, our organization guarantees an annual upfront amount, ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 USD, against commercial invoices. This approach cuts through bureaucratic obstacles that hinder our mission.
Our one-stop-shop organization currently employs three visually impaired individuals, thanks to a successful agreement facilitated by the JobsPlus agency and the European Commission. This agreement ensures sufficient salaries for our visually impaired employees, providing them with stability and support.
However, we face challenges when it comes to the involvement of other government agencies. While the JobsPlus agency supports our one-stop-shop agreement, other agencies insist on assigning additional organizations specifically for roles such as transport and care workers. Our aim is to promote a sense of common inclusion and streamline processes across agencies.
To address administrative needs, the government facilitates someone full-time for administrative purposes within our organization. However, it is crucial to ensure that the identified individual possesses the necessary skills and objectives aligned with our organization’s mission. In cases where a suitable match cannot be found, we rely on generating funds to cover the salaries of our employees.
Our ultimate goal is to eliminate fear for both blind and visually impaired individuals. While blind individuals constantly face fear due to their condition, we also aim to alleviate the fear of visual individuals in the event of vision loss. By providing financial support, creating a supportive work environment, and promoting inclusivity, we strive to empower both communities and foster a society where fear is replaced with understanding and support.