IngentaConnect Features of the development of a welfare system for visually disa...

Abstract:

. Purpose:

To describe the development of a formal system of welfare for blind and partially sighted people in Denmark. Methods:

The principal laws in Denmark relating to a formal system of welfare for blind and partially sighted people are noted and commented on. No such collection of laws has been found in the literature. The history of aid to visually disabled people in Denmark is described, as are the Danish classifications of visual impairment. Development:

Formalized welfare for blind and partially sighted people was started in Denmark in 1811, as a private initiative by the Kjæde Order. Later, the Danish state took over responsibility, and in 1858 the Royal Danish Institute for the Blind was established. Since then a series of laws concerning welfare for blind and partially sighted people have been issued in accordance with economic and social development in Denmark. In 1858 the Braille writing system for blind people was introduced. The Danish Association of the Blind was founded in 1911 and has profoundly influenced subsequent legislation. During the last 10 years, several visual centres have been established. Since 1968 prevention of blindness has also played a prominent role in Denmark. Conclusion:

Great steps have been taken towards improving the welfare of blind and partially sighted people. However, being blind is still very difficult. Modern technologies and hectic lifestyles have created new problems for blind people. The obligations of the Danish state towards visually disabled people have, therefore, increased in recent years.

Keywords: formalized welfare for blind and partially sighted; laws about and help towards welfare; obligations to visually disabled people

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1111/j.1395-3907.2004.00220.x

Affiliations: 1: Eye Pathology Institute, University of Copenhagen, Denmark

You have access to the full text article on a website external to Ingentaconnect.

Please click here to view this article on InterScience.

You may be required to register and activate access on InterScience before you can obtain the full text. If you have any queries please contact onlinehelp@oxon.blackwellpublishing.com

Features of the development of a welfare system for visually disabled people in Denmark