Today is the “World Day of the White Cane” as the event was called by the association of the blind in Albania, which organized a march to demand respect and implementation of their rights.
Top Channel’s Kristi Gongo accompanied Jonidi during the march, who lost his sight when he was little, listening to the difficulties of the 29-year-old and the blind community.
“Autonomy of movement for us is impossible when you don’t have the stick or companion with you”, says Jonid Ferhati.
During the march from the prime minister’s office to the Municipality of Tirana, the group wanted to raise awareness about the infrastructure problems that prevent them from moving alone on the road, while in a sign of protest the blind crossed the zebra lines while the traffic light was red.
But infrastructure is not the only problem, they face challenges in pursuing education and feel excluded from the labor market. Concerns deepen even more with the difficult economic conditions, where they also encounter difficulties in finding medicines.
“I have been blind for 5 years, I suffered a stroke. And the medicine is not provided by the state, I have become a beggar, my relatives bring me medications from Greece. I demand the right i’m entitled to”, says Olgerta Ranxha.
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