The major challenges, according to the 1 million visually impaired people in Turkey are those created by society. We discussed this matter and investigate the question, "Is it really society that creates barriers or being blind?"
In collaboration with BlindLook and Future Bright Group, the Society’s Perception of the Visually Impaired Research was released in October 2022.
In the target group selected in the research, each breakdown has been weighted over the population distribution of Turkey to ensure representation.
A total of 600 participants between the ages of 18 and 55 were interviewed for this study. To ensure representation, each breakdown in the chosen target group was given a weight based on Turkey's population distribution.
Almost 80% of the population agrees that the education infrastructure for the visually impaired is insufficient.
82% of the population think that education is as important for the visually impaired as for the sighted person. According to 61% of the population, the visually impaired should attend specialized educational services rather than being integrated into the regular educational system. On the other hand, only 30% of the population thinks private education institutes for the visually impaired are good.
Society is concerned about the integration of the visually impaired into work life.
Although the general view is that the visually impaired should be included in business life, there is also a common opinion that "they cannot work in every workplace".
Only 30% of the population says they trust a visually impaired employee's work, even if 52% of the society says they would prefer to include visually impaired people on their team.
Society's belief that the visually impaired can lead their lives independently and meet their daily needs is weak.
Only 30% of the population thinks that the visually impaired can live alone, despite 82% of society agreeing that greater possibilities should be given to them so they can walk freely on the street.
Although society is positive about communicating with the visually impaired, they are more cautious about deepening the relationship.
While 78% of the population says they would not hesitate to chat with a visually impaired person if they were in the same environment, only 37% say they would marry a visually impaired person.
7 out of 10 people believe that the visually impaired can be as happy as others.
The majority, however, believes that the term "blind" is inaccurate.
It is a common opinion that something should be done to minimize the disadvantages experienced by the visually impaired, but they do not take action on this issue.
While 44% of the society stated they would be willing to volunteer for educational programs set up for visually impaired people, 68% of the society agreed that the state should provide financial assistance to families with children who are visually impaired.
