WITH no statistics to show the actual number of blind or visually impaired persons in Jamaica, and with a concern that not many are utilising the various facilities established to assist them, the Lions and Leo clubs in conjunction with the Ministry of Health, is conducting an islandwide census to collect more data on these persons.

The census, now in its sixth week, is being undertaken by 25 Lions clubs in various parishes who have been visiting health centres, communities and formal institutions for the blind. The census is expected to be completed by the end of January next year.

Co-ordinator for 'Registration of the Blind' programme, Desmond Brown (left) and another Lions Club member (far right) conducting surveys with students at the Salvation Army School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Tuesday. (Photo: Lionel Rookwood)

Desmond Brown, co-ordinator for the Registration of the Blind programme, said that in order to offer their assistance to the blind, they would have to first identify their needs. He says the Lions and Leo clubs have already secured funding opportunities, but in order to get them a good demographic, some data needs to be available.

"One of the problems that affect us is that there is no data [on blind persons] in Jamaica. We have undertaken this registration project to try and capture information on all blind persons in Jamaica, because without that needs survey really, we can't determine what people need," he said.

Brown, along with other members of his club, visited the Salvation Army School for the Blind and the Visually Impaired Tuesday, to continue the census. He believes not many blind persons are utilising the school's facilities, which will help to make them more productive in the wider society.

Persons were asked for information on their age and place of residence, as well as their level of blindness, mobility and educational information. Some questions used to facilitate the process were also geared at finding out their health, economic standing and information about their housing and other social amenities. They were also asked to make recommendations on what programmes can help to improve their lives.

Captain Edward Lyons, administrator for the school, lauded the initiative. His school has 130 registered students within the four-21 age group who attend the kindergarten, primary and vocational classes being offered.

"This census will give us the opportunity to be taking nearer to the 200 capacity for our boarding school. We want to serve Jamaica better," he said.

Brown says by interviewing the students, they will also be able to get information about other possible blind persons within their family. He says they intend to visit these persons in the coming weeks. But in the meantime, they are asking those who are blind to contact one of their clubs to participate in the census.

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