
Ranchhod Soni, blind since birth and teacher at the BPA, also co producer of the autobiographical film
documentary ‘Listening to Shadows'.
According to the World Health Organization (2010 statistics), globally the number of people of all ages visually impaired is estimated to be 285 million, of whom 39 million are blind, the WHO study goes onto state that the preventable causes are as high as 80% of the total. There are contentious viewpoints on statistics about blindness and how effective current treatments and programs are. However, there are obvious examples of progress such as the surgical procedures at the Aravind Eye Hospital and the overall reduction in causes of child blindness due to multiple global programs of prevention and treatment. There are two schools in this documentary, both NGOs who are dedicated to supporting and teaching of the blind in both their local urban community and their rural outreach. These institutions may not make global headlines but they are on the frontline of coping with and seeking solutions in education, prevention, quality of life and employment opportunities for the blind and visually impaired.
The two schools featured are listed below. Further info can be gained and donations made through their websites.
Blind Peoples Association
Andh Kanya Prakash Gruh, school for girls