May-June events

 

Foundation "Vis Maior" could be found in one of the alleys, in a marquee decorated with posters made by female volunteers. Posters contained our logo, illustrations with different types of sight impairment and photos from the foundation's trips. We had also Braille's maps, books, boards with chisels, thanks to which visitors could learn how to write in Braille. At another poster they could check signs and letters. Visitors took also part in quizzes which checked their knowledge about the life of people with sight impairment, quoting some common stereotypical views on the subject. Some participants were quick to supply an answer, others hesitated and shared their doubts. As prize, they were given a saying written in Braille. They used magnifying glass to look at the letters in black ink. In the marquee, we had a picture of Red (Jola's guide dog) and his harness. We observed that people were quite interested in guide dogs. They asked if we train them and what exactly we use them for. We even found volunteers eager to learn how to walk with a white cane. On the whole however, more people were keen on learning how to perform everyday life tasks without the use of vision. Congratulations!!!. 

Ala became very involved in the event and came back hoarse-voiced. Jola and Sylwia appreciated the new experience. Natalia was eager to converse with people, while Ania a little bit more reservedly admitted that it was an interesting event.

 

 

On the 8th of June we went to a Family Picnic, organized by Sister Krystyna Jasinska, near Saint Stanislaw Kostka Church, in Zoliborz. 

 

There were numerous attractions for children; ponies, dances and baked sausages. Several people visited out stand. We met visually impaired Beata. It turned out that Sylwia and Jola know nearly everyone in Laski (a well-known institution for visually impaired people). I was with the foundation that day. There also came, always eager to help, Ala and we were nicely surprised by Hania's presence.

 

On the 15th of June, the Ombudsman's Office organised another Open Day. Visitors were invited to see the office situated in Al. Solidarnosci. If required, they could also seek legal advice, available from non-governmental organisations. Additionally, they could also submit a motion to the Ombudsman.

 

We shared a stand with the Institute of Motor Transportation, which organized games connected with safety on roads for the youngest participants. We on our part focused on problem of guide dogs and the rights of people who use them. As usual, we had Braille's books, boards, canes, posters and quizzes checking general knowledge about visually impaired people. We were mainly approached by people who wanted to submit a motion and some journalists. Our stand was situated in a quiet and remote place, enabling us to hold long conversations without any disturbance. At the stand next to us a melody from "Czterej Pancerni i Pies" (a popular series from the late 1960s about war adventures of four soldiers (czterej pancerni) and their dog (pies)) was played, which in a funny sense related to us four; Ala, Ania, Natalia, me and the dog.

 

 

At 12.30pm we set out to visit the Ombudsman's Office. The trip was entitled "In motion's Footsteps". We saw how motions reach the experts and how they are being stored. We met the office clerks. Our trip was prolonged by the presence of a "regular customer". We eagerly listened to the questions he asked.

 

We ended the Open Day by thanking ombudsman Mr. Janusz Kochanowski for the opportunity of taking part in the event. We would also like to give our thanks to Ms. Marta Bukowska and Ms. Ewa Wronska. We thank them very much!