Ewoud Dronkert <
[email protected]> wrote:
> On Tue, 15 Jul 2003 07:53:39 -0500, Jay Hill wrote:
>> visualy impaired does not equal blind.
Does it equal ugly?
> OK. But whatever the current mission, the name of the organisation specifically states 'the blind'
> (ciegos).
The role of the ONCE
To rehabilitate and educate blind people from birth, or from the moment they lose their sight, and
integrate them fully in society. This sums up the mission of the ONCE.
However, underlying these basic premises there unfolds a complex social protection system developed
over more than sixty years. This system has been continuously adapted as new needs have arisen and
has proved capable of making the best possible use of economic synergies.
Rehabilitation means achieving that blind people are no longer dependent, that they can reach full
independence, both personally and socially speaking.
Education, for the ONCE, means training at every level, from childhood right through to university
or vocational training courses, supporting our blind students at every step with qualified personnel
and specialised facilities.
Integration is achieved through finding work for all blind people, thus providing them with economic
independence; facilitating access to culture and information, essential elements for their personal
and social development; and providing them with leisure possibilities, as well as special assistance
for those situations that are also special.
How the ONCE tackles these obligations to its over 63,000 members is outlined in this web site,
which also offers information on the ONCE's solidarity with other disabled groups and, even, with
other blind organisations in less fortunate countries.
This is because the ONCE also looks outward, whether it be from a solidarity viewpoint or with
regard to its close cooperation relationships. The latter is the case with the blind organisations
in Europe, where the traditional links are now, if possible, even stronger within the framework of
the European Community, with the concerted support of the institutions to the ongoing processes
striving for the integration of disabled persons and the declaration of the year 2003 as European
Disability Year.
What follows is therefore a description of our role, truly impossible to fulfil without the economic
support provided by our lottery, the cupón.
Through the ONCE cupón, a popular, deep-rooted tradition now in Spain, the Institution receives the
full backing of Spanish society, which demonstrates its affection and profound understanding of our
role - the role of the ONCE.
http://www.once.es/vocacion/webenglish/default.htm
