100th Anniv. of the Estonian Federation of the Blind

The Estonian Federation of the Blind is an umbrella organisation of associations of visually impaired people and associations and foundations dealing with these people, which represents visually impaired people at the national and international level. The main task of the federation is to be an advocacy organisation that ensures that visually impaired people have the same access to all services, benefits, and opportunities as other members of society. The federation includes 10 regional associations of the blind all over Estonia. Members also include associations that train visually impaired masseurs and provide them with employment opportunities, provide life-facilitating aids, and provide rehabilitation and escorts, as well as a foundation that trains guide dogs.

Since 1987, White Cane Safety Day has been celebrated every year on 15 October. The magazine Valguse Kaja, which introduces the lives of visually impaired people, is published twice a year. Those who have made a significant contribution to improving the quality of life of these people are recognised with the ‘Deed of the Year’ award. The federation organises all-Estonian summer schools and hiking days of member association leaders. Particular attention is paid to the accessibility of both the physical and virtual environments. Projects aimed at young people are underway.a