At the end of September, EBU Director Lars BOSSELMANN and Membership Officer, Valerie BERTRAND-VIVANCOS conducted a two-day onboarding visit to the Latvian Society of the Blind (LSB) to strengthen partnerships and member engagement, explore the facilities and services provided to visually impaired individuals in Latvia and meet with several key figures across different organisations.
Latvia is a Baltic country in Northern Europe, bordered by Estonia, Lithuania, Russia, Belorussia, and the Baltic Sea, with a diverse landscape of forests, rivers, and coastline. Historically shaped by foreign rule, Latvia gained independence in 1918 and regained it in 1991 following a period of Russian occupation. Today it is a parliamentary republic with a population of around 1.9 million, largely concentrated in urban areas, particularly the capital Riga.
Its population of blind and partially sighted individuals is estimated to be around 11,000 people. The demographic is composed of a mix of elderly individuals, who account for the majority due to age-related vision loss, and younger people affected by congenital or early-onset conditions. The Latvian Society of the Blind provides support and services to around 3000 of these individuals, helping them access education, employment, and rehabilitation programs. Regional disparities exist, with rural areas often having fewer specialized services compared to urban centers like Riga and the question of integrated education remains tricky as it is difficult to bring specialized staff and equipment to mainstream education.
Arrival at Riga Airport
Upon landing at Riga Airport, Lars BOSSELMANN and Valerie BERTRAND-VIVANCOS were warmly welcomed by representatives of the Latvian Society of the Blind (LSB) and airport officials. Dace DOBRĀJA, Deputy Chairwoman of the Central Board of the LSB, and Kaspars BIEZAIS, Chairman of the Central Board of the LSB, greeted the delegation. They were joined by Guntis LEIMANAIS, PRM Assistance Manager of Riga Airport, who provided a presentation on the airport's services for persons with reduced mobility (PRM).
Meeting at the Ministry of Welfare
The delegation proceeded to the Ministry of Welfare of the Republic of Latvia, in Riga, where they met with key governmental officials. Reinis UZULNIEKS, Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Welfare, and Aldis DŪDIŅŠ, Director of the Department of Social Services and Disability Policy, discussed current policies and initiatives aimed at supporting individuals with visual impairments and their collaboration with LSB.
Visit to Cēsis Territorial Organization
The following day, the visit continued in Cēsis a town located about 90 kms northeast of Riga. the delegation was welcomed by Aija RĪVĪTE, Head of the Territorial Organization of Cēsis and a social rehabilitation center worker. They visited the Cēsis Territorial Organization Social Rehabilitation Center and the LSB estate company. Guntis GROSBERGS, Chairman of the Company of the Latvian Society of the Blind “Cēsu MRU,” provided insights into the organization's use of its properties to generate income.
Exploration of Riga Strazdumuiža Village
In the afternoon, the delegation visited the picturesque village operated by the LSB, located in a natural setting by a lake outside Riga. At the Riga Strazdumuiža Secondary School, they were received by Deputy Directors Airita BUŠA and Leva KLĪVE, along with Educational Methodologist Terēza LANDRA. The staff showcased assistive teaching materials and sensory stimulation devices. The delegation interacted with pupils, engaging in conversations in English.
Tour of the Library of the Blind of Latvia
The delegation then toured the Library of the Blind of Latvia, which also produces braille and audiobooks. They were shown the recording booth in the audiobooks department, managed by Uģis SKUJA, Deputy Director for Sound Recordings and IT Issues. Gunta BITE, Head of Braille Pattern and Custom Printing, demonstrated the process of producing braille books.
Visit to the Center for Social Rehabilitation
On the same campus, the delegation visited the fairly new Center for Social Rehabilitation of the LSB. Director Lilita KĻAVIŅA and social rehabilitation center worker Deniss VATJKOVIČS guided them through the facilities, which include IT resources, many craft workshops, a psychology department, sports facilities, domestic appliance training areas, and even a gardening patch.
Concluding Meeting
The visit concluded in the boardroom of the LSB, where Lars BOSSELMANN and Valerie BERTRAND-VIVANCOS delivered a presentation about EBU, followed by a fruitful dialogue with board members Kaspars BIEZAIS, Dace DOBRĀJA, Peter LOCANS and Uģis SKUJA. They discussed various ways the LSB could become fully involved in collaborative initiatives, aiming to enhance support and services for the visually impaired community in Latvia.
The EBU Delegation's onboarding visit to Latvia was both enriching and inspiring, filled with meaningful exchanges and a shared vision for improving the lives of blind and partially sighted individuals. We are deeply grateful to all our hosts for their warmth, hospitality, and dedication, particularly the Latvian Society of the Blind, whose commitment to creating a more inclusive society is truly commendable. As we part ways, we extend our heartfelt thanks and best wishes for continued success in all your endeavors, with the hope that our collaboration will continue to grow and flourish in the years to come.