Eye Can Walk Campaign

The KwaZulu Natal Blind and deaf Society (KZNBDS) is a non-governmental organization catering to the needs of the blind and deaf persons in KwaZulu Natal. The society provides services mostly to African people, generally poor, unemployed, and living in rural areas. From the year 1936, the KZNBDS was established with the mission that ensures all blind, partially sighted, deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf and blind people are integrated into the community, as members who contribute and benefit from the society. The KZN Blind and Deaf Society is located at 23 Ismail C Meer St, Durban Central, Durban, 4001.                    

The KZN Blind and Deaf Society aims to raise awareness for people with visual impairments to make them feel good about themselves and see that they are also important and capable. KZNBDS  hosted an event called Eye Can Walk on the 1st of October to raise awareness about eye health. Eye can walk is intended to be an all-inclusive event, open event for everyone. By the time you cross the finishing line, this inspirational event will have taught you something that most people with vision impairments already Know. The event reinforces the message of inclusion and the importance of supporting the blind.

Eye Can Walk is a fun and enjoyable walk and run held by KwaZulu-Natal Blind and Deaf Society annually where families along with their pets come to support individuals with visual impairments. It is an experience for people to feel what it is like to walk while you are blind and what it feels like to lead someone who is blindfolded.

The KZN Blind and Deaf Society is trying to create a caring and supporting event for people with disabilities. The KZN Blind and Deaf Society hosted an annual event called Eye Can Walk. The aim of the Eye Can Walk is to raise awareness for people who are blind to make them feel good about themselves and also to raise funds to build a special school for individuals with visual impairments. The Eye Can Walk campaign played a huge role as lot of people learned and experienced how people with visual impairments manage to achieve their goals.

 The highlight of the event was the 5km walk, where the participants walked blindfolded along a predetermined route This was done to simulate the experience of people with visual impairments and to raise awareness of the challenges faced by people with disabilities. The event was a huge success, with many participants expressing their gratitude for the opportunity to experience what it's like to see damaged. 

 Apart from the walk, the event also had many other activities such as a blindfold obstacle course, and 10km fun run. These activities aimed to give participants a better understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities and encourage them to be more empathetic towards others. 

 Several organizations working for the betterment of disabled people also participated in the event. the Eye Can Walk was a great success. Not only did it raise awareness of the challenges faced by people with disabilities, but also encouraged people to be more empathetic towards others. The event was a great example of how small initiatives can make a big difference in society. The different organizations that were present in the event were South African National Blood Service (SANBS), Rising Sun, Verulam A.C, Action in Autism, Targa optical, DUT Chiropractic Clinic, Sun Smart Clinic, Doves, Lab24, FOSA, also marshals and community-based rehabilitation workers were available on the road to guard traffic and give help when it is needed.

After the fun walk and run the 1st place winner was given a trophy and a price and given an opportunity to tell people about the experience he got from the run. People were encouraged by the experience, and they learned a lot from the event.

The KZN Blind and Deaf Society, Eye Can Walk event played a huge role in making sure that all participants and attendees are well taken care of and accommodated well. KZN Blind and Deaf Society also played a huge role in advocating the rights of individuals with visual impairments.