Striving to remove barriers that prevent us from building Vibrant, Diverse, Inclusive, Accessible Communities!
Abdi Ali-Mumin’s journey, “Blindness Beyond Borders,” is a powerful reflection on building inclusive communities through Orientation and Mobility (O&M) training rooted in high expectations and respect. As a certified O&M instructor, Abdi describes how his own resistance to using a white cane eventually gave way to empowerment after training at the Colorado Center for the Blind. His experience speaks directly to removing barriers that prevent Blind People from living independent and fulfilling lives. By finding strength in community and pride in his identity, Abdi reclaimed his future and began fostering vibrant, inclusive communities where Blind People can thrive.
This narrative underscores the importance of culturally rooted training centers that refuse to lower expectations based on blindness. At the Colorado Center for the Blind, Abdi wasn’t coddled or pitied—he was challenged to gain real skills and take ownership of his life. From learning Braille to mastering technology and cooking, each milestone became a declaration of capability and dignity. These achievements exemplify what happens when barriers are removed, and Blind People are equipped and empowered within supportive, inclusive environments. Let this story be a reminder: building Inclusive communities requires us to reject low expectations and instead trust in the capabilities of People with Disabilities.
As Abdi expands his work across Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa, the global dimension of removing barriers for Blind People becomes clear. From infrastructure limitations to societal stigma, these environments expose the deep inequities faced by Blind People worldwide. Yet even in the most inaccessible places, Abdi finds a shared yearning: Blind People eager to be seen as capable, eager to be trained, and eager to live fully. The contrast between cane types, access to language, and safety in navigation reveals just how much work is needed to ensure that orientation and mobility education meets the International Accessibility Standards: https://shininglamp.org/Where_can_I_get_Training_in_the_Foundations_of_….
Abdi’s call to action is a powerful reminder that the National Federation of the Blind philosophy of self-determination must extend globally. Building inclusive, barrier-free communities for Blind People is not a domestic goal—it’s a worldwide mission. Whether volunteering, donating, or advocating for change, every action contributes to Striving to remove barriers that prevent us from building Vibrant, Diverse, Inclusive, Accessible Communities! Abdi’s story is more than a memoir—it’s a blueprint for global advocacy rooted in high expectations and belief in Blind People’s power to transform their lives and communities. Don’t miss the full story of one man’s journey from doubt to determination, from Colorado to Cape Town.
Read the Full Article: Blindness Beyond Borders
by: Abdi Ali-Mumin
Share or Print with:
