As part of the ONCE Social Group Week in Catalonia, the ONCE delegation in Figueres hosted a visit from an actor who embodies a popular pirate. The activity aimed to provide a firsthand, experiential understanding of the daily lives of blind people or those with severe visual impairment.
The actor arrived at the agency on Sant Francesc de Paula street in character, quickly connecting with attendees. He conversed with ONCE members, answered their questions, and allowed visually impaired individuals to touch the costume and interact with its various elements.
During the day, the actor also personally experienced the challenges of visual impairment. With his eyes covered and using a white cane, he navigated the ONCE facilities in Figueres, highlighting the importance of accessible and adapted spaces.
“"To make people understand, through practice and not just discourse, what the daily life of people with visual impairment is like."
This initiative allowed the actor to learn about typhlotechnology tools, such as using a mobile phone with VoiceOver, screen readers, and applications like BeMyEyes, GOLD, or APOLO, as well as smart vision glasses, which facilitate the autonomy of people with low vision.
The day concluded with an acting challenge, where the actor had to read a script with simulation glasses, demonstrating the difficulties that a common action like reading can pose for someone with severe visual impairment. This activity is part of a series of visits that have featured public figures in previous editions, always with the aim of fostering empathy and respect for the reality of blind people.
