International organizations constantly try to constantly attract the public to various painful problems of our time. Among those who became famous for their outstanding achievements in science, art, literature and other fields, there were many blind people. Centuries passed, while in developed countries they began to be treated normally, without neglect, not just as a miserable invalid. But in most other countries the situation is still serious. And now almost 124 million people on the globe have serious vision problems, and their number is growing steadily. The International Day of the Blind and Visually Impaired is another reminder that among us there are people who do not see all the colors of the surrounding world and need our attention and understanding.
The history of the International Day of the Blind
This date began to be celebrated only a few years ago in 1984, coinciding with the birthday of Valentin Gayuy. Who was this man, that he was awarded such a great honor? He was born in the family of a simple picardian weaver, but managed to get an education in Paris. He was still in his youth, imbued with the problems of blind and deaf-mute people, doing charity work. It is he who is considered the founder of the Royal Institute for the Blind, the first such special educational institution.
At first it was called "The Atelier of the Blind Workers", but then Louis XIV himself became very concerned with such people and even established special scholarships for his first students. It was here that the first books began to be used, in which the letters were convex and specially enlarged. These were bulky and not very convenient things, it will be many more years before Louis Braille comes up with his famous font. But it was precisely Gauja who took the first steps toward creating it, prompting blind people to write, making first steps in this area.
This outstanding man managed to work in Russia. At the request of the Emperor Alexander I himself, in 1806 a special institution for blind people was created. How surprised were the officials who conducted the inspection of his institution. They found that Guyai's pupils can read, write, know history, geography, are trained in singing and various crafts. The emperor then highly appreciated his works, awarding the Order of St. Vladimir. Now you understand that it was not for nothing that November 13, the birthday of Valentine Gaius, began to celebrate the day of blind and visually impaired people.
Among blind people there are many outstanding sportsmen, singers, musicians. Now sports competitions are held, where they can also glorify their country and demonstrate their achievements. Artists John Bramlitt and Esref Armanan were blind, but they, nevertheless, managed to create bright such paintings, which now many of us admire at the exhibitions. There is a history of Lina Po, a talented, blind sculptor who made many beautiful works. Her portraits cause admiration and they are strikingly truthful and similar to the originals. Blind from birth, Stevie Wonder and Diana Gurtskaya have thousands of fans.
These examples show that loss or deterioration of vision is a great tragedy, but you do not need to completely despair. You can even in this situation become in demand, find your niche and achieve success . Day of the blind is not the date, which is celebrated pompously and with great scope. But still in many countries enthusiasts hold events, concerts, seminars. They have a goal to draw the attention of other people to the problems of blind and visually impaired citizens, to help improve their way of life.