Blind beneficiaries on the needs of the persons with disabilities

We want to present a beneficiary of the Institute of Democracy Program for Strengthening Former Inmates, which is distinguished with its characteristics be a struggler before the life challenges.

42-year old Alex Tsevelidze is blind, though his physical state is resulting from the injury caused during arresting, when he was beaten with the weapon barrel by the special service unit office of the Finance Police, damaging his eye and losing eyesight. In 20006 he was sentenced with the accusation of economic offence.

Similar to other, he recalls imprisonment period with hard and unpleasant memories, unwilling to recollect the details of unpleasant years, followed by fierce regime. The problem resulting from injured eye was moved to another eye and now he can only make difference between day and night. Though, he has not lodged a claim…

In parallel to applying rehabilitation service offered by the Institute of Democracy Alex is also a manager of the NGO “Voice of the Blind”, working on the problems of the blind.

He says that a number of works are to be done to create an adapted environment, as numerous needs and constraints are faced by the blind. Unfortunately, Alex is limited to moving independently, the path for the blind placed on the sidewalks is often stopped in the middle way and even more you can risk crushing into some trees as well.

Due to non-adapted environment, Alex has to more in the street with the help of his friend. Therefore, going on an excursion became possible owing to his friend as well, as he was told about various sightseeing in Imereti region by his accompanying person.

With the help of special, voiced program Ale applies Internet, develops projects and takes care of his own raspberry and strawberry growing economy in the village Ochkhamuri of Kobuleti Municipality, employing 6-8 persons in average. Alex’s 5 year old son will be involved in the cultural and educational events organized by the Institute of Democracy.

The Program supporting former inmates, inmates’ families and probationers is implemented by the Institute of Democracy in four regions of Western Georgia: Ajara, Guria, Samegrelo-Upper Svaneti and Imereti.

The project is supported by the European Union.