IDSC Launches New Initiative to Empower Visually Impaired

The Information and Decision Support Center of the Egyptian Cabinet (IDSC) has launched a comprehensive awareness campaign on social media platforms to highlight the importance of Braille in integrating and empowering the visually impaired and people with disabilities in Egyptian society. 

This initiative coincides with World Braille Day, observed on January 4, 2024, to showcase Egypt's extensive efforts to support visually impaired individuals across various sectors.

The campaign features videos, reels, and infographics that emphasize the special attention Egypt pays to caring for and rehabilitating visually impaired individuals. 

This is done in coordination with various governmental institutions to overcome barriers that may hinder their active participation in society, in line with the principle of equality. These efforts are part of Egypt's Vision 2030 for achieving sustainable and inclusive development.

The center highlighted key initiatives launched by the state in this regard, including in the banking sector. For example, the National Bank of Egypt introduced the first innovative payment card for the visually impaired, while the Central Bank provided Braille-based account forms and banking services. 

Thousands of ATMs have also been equipped with suitable lighting and embossed numbers.

Cultural and museum institutions, such as the Greco-Roman Museum and the Egyptian Museum, now offer Braille-labeled explanatory cards.

Additionally, a Braille version of Al-Azhar’s Quran has been displayed. 

The Ministry of Education and Technical Education launched the first postgraduate diploma specializing in visual impairment, using international curricula, and integrated Braille into education by printing textbooks and official documents in Braille.

In public facilities, Braille tiles have been installed in hospitals, metro stations, and public spaces to guide the visually impaired. 

The state has also launched initiatives to provide assistive technology for the visually impaired, such as screen-reading devices and text-to-Braille conversion software.