As stated in LASS’s appeal to the Minister of Social Security and Labour, Monika Navickienė, the Seimas Social Affairs and Labor Committee, members of the Disability Rights Commission, Seimas factions and their members, European countries no longer have questions about whether a guide dog is a necessity for a blind person, but the situation in Lithuania has not changed. for decades.
“In Lithuania, we still have a rather large social divide in society, when people with visual impairments cannot live a full life. The currently available main aid for visually impaired residents – a white cane – does not provide all opportunities for safe movement and active participation in public life. We need to start talking about more active involvement of the state in reducing social exclusion and expanding the list of technical assistance measures, including a guide dog – as a necessity for a visually impaired person,” the appeal reads.
Lithuania lags behind other European countries
In the letter to the politicians, it is also emphasized that Lithuania lags behind not only larger European countries, but is also the only remaining country in the Baltic region where people with visual impairments have to take care of purchasing and maintaining a guide dog themselves.
It is estimated that, on average, several thousand four-legged dogs become guide dogs in Europe per year, and in total there are currently more than 20 thousand of them.
20 dogs each have been prepared or are being prepared in Latvia and Estonia, the preparation of which is from 90 to 100 percent. compensated by the state. This practice is also applied in other European countries. For example, in Germany there are currently more than 2 thousand. guide dogs. 250 dogs are ready in Finland, 120 in Poland.
There is only one guide dog in Lithuania, the purchase and care of which is taken care of by the visually impaired resident.
According to LASS representatives, studies conducted in foreign countries reveal that visually impaired people who have a guide dog feel much more confident, safe in public places, and are more independent. The quadruped encourages them to move more, allows them to discover new activities, attend various events, concerts, and integrate into social life.
A guide dog is an irreplaceable help for a visually impaired person
In the letter to the politicians, it is also noted that with a white cane, a blind person can only feel what is at his feet and around them, while a guide dog saves in various situations.
“The guide dog helps to find crossings and traffic lights, to cross the street safely, to overcome any obstacles, including overhead ones, to find entrances to buildings, stairs, elevators, to point to a free seat in public transport, to find a place at concerts, performances, competitions and others events, safely and comfortably go to work and navigate the environment, as well as in other closed or open spaces. In addition, trips with four legs are completed in a much shorter time and are much safer than with a white cane alone,” states LASS’s appeal to politicians.
It also emphasizes the help of a guide dog in reducing social barriers – with it, it is easier for a visually impaired person to start conversations, get help when needed, and feel better psychologically.
In the appeal sent by LASS, politicians are asked to provide opportunities for visually impaired citizens to live a full life, to initiate and support amendments to the law that would recognize a guide dog as a necessary technical assistance tool for a visually impaired resident.
