Joe Moses Kpaklah (2016-2017, Liberia, hosted by Greenheart in Carthage, NY) is dedicated to ensuring that visually impaired Liberians have full access to society and are given equal opportunities. As a visually impaired Liberian himself, Joe is aware of the day-to-day challenges that visually impaired Liberians face – it can be incredibly difficult to move around freely, independently, and safely. Joe decided to do a capacity building training on road safety awareness to help Liberians with a visual impairment learn to safely cross a street. These sorts of technical trainings are life changing as they can lead to more independent travel and access to more areas.

Joe brought together 25 visually impaired participants from Motserrado and Margibi counties for a workshop in Kakata. The goal of the workshop was to demonstrate and instruct how to use a cane to safely and efficiently cross a road without the sense of sight. Joe taught the participants how to use their canes and listen for sound cues and other environmental factors that will ensure that there is enough time to safely make it to the other side of the road.

Joe invited the Chief of Traffic of the National Police, Alphonso Binda, and President of the Liberian Blind Association, Beyan Kota, to attend the event. Joe was absolutely thrilled when the two invited guests accepted his invitation. Even more exciting was that they spoke with the participants and asked questions on what they can do to improve the situation and incorporate better systems to help people with visual disabilities. Joe thinks it was especially important that the Chief of Traffic attended the event as it meant that he had the chance to hear from visually impaired people about the challenges they face, and their dedication and willingness in finding solutions to make all of Liberia more accessible and inclusive. Joe really tried to emphasize the possibilities and opportunities that the future holds if they work together.

Joe says a highlight of the event was when the Chief of Traffic said he would like to work more closely with the group to ensure safety for visually impaired people. Joe’s workshop could lead to a very sustainable system for all visually impaired citizens of Liberia. According to the World Health Organization, there are approximately 35,000 Liberians with a form of blindness – think of how many lives Joe is touching with his workshop that expands mobility and independence for visually impaired Liberians. Joe says that there are already plans being developed to launch this initiative in 15 more counties throughout Liberia.

Joe was inspired to do the event because even he, who has a lot of experience crossing roads with canes abroad and locally, faces challenges while moving around in Liberia. Joe says there currently are not many services available to help visually impaired Liberians, which is why he decided to take on the initiative.