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People who are blind or have low vision can easily become isolated from their community. This is because they generally find it harder to get employment, to attend school, or to take part in day-to-day community activities.

Lack of income, education and access to appropriate healthcare makes people who are blind vulnerable to abuse, poverty and even early death. The risk of this can be reduced if governments and society adopt socially inclusive policies and practices.

What is social inclusion?

Social inclusion for people who are blind or with low vision means working to help them gain equal rights in society. It also means helping society understand their needs, and respect those rights.

Social inclusion means providing training and opportunities for people affected by blindness, and making sure that education does not discriminate against or exclude children who are blind.

Sightsavers and social inclusion

Social inclusion lies at the heart of Sightsavers' work. It covers two key issues:

• Rehabilitation: we are working with local partners in developing countries to provide people who are blind with the skills they need to lead independent lives. These include daily living skills and vocational training to earn a living.
• Inclusive education: we believe that no child who is blind should be at home when they could be at school. Inclusive education means enabling mainstream schools cater fully for such children, and training teachers to cater properly for their special needs.