29 NOVEMBER 2019

ORGANIZED by Myanmar National Association of the Blind, a literary seminar to honor the International Day of Disabled Persons, ahead of its designated date on 3 December, was held at the House of Orchid on Botahtaung Pagoda Road, Yangon, yesterday. Firstly, cartoonist Sayar Soe Thawdar read a message from Union Minister for Information,

Dr Pe Myint, at the literary seminar to honor the International Day of Disabled Persons. This was followed by Myanmar National Association of the Blind’s Accountant, Daw Su Mon Khaing, reading the Myanmar National Association of the Blind’s remarks on the International Day of Disabled Persons.

Next, U Aung Ko Myint, Chairman of the Myanmar Federation of Persons with Disabilities, delivered the opening speech. He then conferred an award on behalf of the Myanmar National Association of the Blind to U Bran Nann, the winner of an award at the Onkyo Braille Essay Contest in the Asia-Pacific Region.

Next, Sayama Ma Thida (Sangyaung), Sayar Soe Thawdar, Sayar Ko Innwa (Gandawin Nhyet Gyi), and Founder of Kanthari International Institute’s Ms Sabriye Tenberken (German) discussed under the theme of the upcoming International Day of Disabled Persons on 3 December 2019, ‘Promoting the participation of persons with disabilities and their leadership: taking action on the 2030 Development Agenda’.

Next, Myanmar National Association of the Blind General- Secretary Daw Yamin Ohnmar explained the processes of the Myanmar National Association of the Blind on honoring the International Day of Disabled Persons 2019. An audio video on accessibility of higher sophisticated education was then played.

Myanmar National Association of the Blind was established in 1996 and their office was opened in the compound of the

Myanmar Christian Fellowship of the Blind in Mayangon Township, Yangon, in 2002.

The Myanmar National Association of the Blind was formed on 27 May 1996 with the aim of promoting the livelihood of Myanmar’s blind citizens and ensure they receive equal civil rights.

Myanmar National Association of the Blind is a national- level organization comprised of individual members and eight

member organizations, which include Myanmar Christian Fellowship of the Blind, PyinOoLwin Philanthropic All-Round Education School for the Blind, Monywa Yaung Chi Thit School for the Blind, Meiktila Shae Saung School for the Blind, Hlinetaryar Su Paung Arman Association of Workers for The Blind, Kachin State Development Organization for the Blind, Meiktila Bawa Thit School for the Blind, and Kachin State Lin Let Kyel Group for the Blind, who all work to assist the visually impaired, and is also a member to the World Blind Union.

Myanmar National Association of the Blind is now not only working for the rights of Myanmar’s blind citizens, but also for those of all persons living with disabilities, including protection of their rights, supporting and encouragement. To do so, it cooperates with other affiliated organizations for persons with disabilities and does so with increased momentum.

Branch offices of Myanmar National Association of the Blind are opened in Monywa of Sagaing Region, Lashio of Shan State, and Mawlamyine of Mon State.—MNA

(Translated by Zaw Htet Oo)