About Us
Beyond Light - Visual Non-Visual Network
Is a non-profit organization made up of a group of various NGOs with the same objectives, these all provide information and referrals about living with visual impairment, and all work to help blind people become independent. This network also allows for third parties or other organizations to sponsor, join not one but all the network affiliates with the same causes leading to a brighter future for all their associated members. The visual and non visual network started as an initiative back in the late 1980s. To date, it continues evolving with ongoing projects and research. The former state minister and member of parliament, Noel Farrugia, organized a board of a number of sighted and non-sighted constituency volunteers to experience sports events together. These included Torball, Tandem cycling, Judo and Swimming, Chess also played an important part of the activity, practiced by visually-impaired or non-sighted persons from all over Malta. This was very revolutionary and visionary for its time, especially for Europe. In the late 90’s, Torball Association for the blind was officially registered and has led many initiatives for both local and central government to raise awareness and assist visually impaired citizens with their day to day integration into society. Later, with the help of the visual and non visual network, beyond arts & wellbeing Malta joint forces in late 2017 with their first joint participation in EM agriculture produce & Urban pure air concept, A projects ltd. Malta & EM Malta, Torball society of the blind and beyond arts & wellbeing Malta in cooperation with the Hon Clint Camilleri, agriculture JNR minister & environment Malta and the Chairman Mr. Conrad Brog Manche managed and launched the project.
Other Successful Programs
Beyond Arts & Wellbeing And Torball Association For The Blind Have Continued To Go Beyond Their Initial Objective And Expended Their Horizon Through Other Ventures, Projects And Programs, Some Of These Included:
- Agriculture Produce & Urban Pure Air
- Art Beyond Light – Art Expression And Exhibitions
- IT And Mobile Phone Courses For The Visually Impaired
- Animal Therapy Introduction And Care
- Several Outings
In Light Of All These Projects And Programs Raised In Cooperation Of Multiple Organisation The BEYOND LIGHT – VISUAL & NON VISUAL NETWORK Was Officially Setup In 2018
This Gives The Ability To Be Stronger In Number And To Provide Products And Services To A Wider Audience – It Also Gives The Opportunity For Various Organisations To Join Forces For The Greater Good Of Mankind.
BLIND POPULATION
We All Want To Help Them
Visually impaired and blind people come from all kinds of backgrounds. Many are elderly, and some are young. They may be sportsmen and women, gardeners, farmers, chess players, teachers, typists, musicians, lawyers, housewives, computer programmers, physiotherapists, social workers, telephonists, and parents…
Such people have many abilities and can achieve many things despite visual impairment or blindness, but there are times when they will appreciate and welcome practical assistance:
- Always ask first before offering any help and do not be offended if it is refused. Some people have had very bad experiences of what a sighted person thinks is being helpful!
- Be precise if giving instructions – giving directions by pointing and saying, ‘it is down there on the right’, is not much help and very thoughtless
- The use of a white cane does not necessarily mean that a person is totally blind
- In some countries, a person is accompanied by a guide dog but the animal must never be distracted. Often it is the animal who receives attention and the owner ignored! Together they usually make a good working team and rarely need extra help
- Once into a conversation, never leave without saying you are doing so. Do not allow the blind person the embarrassment of talking into the air!
Our Team
MARISA AZZOPARDI
PRESIDENT
MARIA ELICH
SECRETARY GENERAL
BRIDGET MICALLEF
Secretary International , IT & Municipal's Affairs
SURENDRA DAŠ
TREASURER
KENNETH COLE
DIRECTOR GENERAL
CHARLES SAMMUT
DIRECTOR ART
CHARLIE MICALLEF
DIRECTOR AGRICULTURE
Professor Renald Blundell Professor Carmelo Rizzo
DIRECTOR WELLBEING
SIMONE PUDDU
DIRECTOR PERSONALISED & BREATH TRAINER
DR. PAUL CALLEJA
DIRECTOR SPORTS
IAM CAMILLERI
COORDINATOR
EXECUTIVE MEMBERS
Dr Lara Tonna / Dr Amanda Dimech / Sergio Mule Stagno / Renato Barati / Tomas Mikalauska / Vladimir Puzanov / Noel Gauci / Kaminskaya Svetlana / Lawrence Camilleri / Elaine Mulcahy / Sean Farrugia
EMPLOYEES
Liam Stafrace / Stephen Mizzi / Epifanio Vella / Ian Camilleri