People with visual disabilities face great challenges in cities where the infrastructure does not consider them with their particular requirements. For this reason, there are initiatives to encourage the use of devices in their favor, such as Kaná, but what is it about?
The Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) invites the population to raise awareness and gently contribute to the inclusion of people with visual disabilities, since each gesture of support strengthens their autonomy and security, in addition to opening up new opportunities that transform their lives..
Dr. Ana Gabriela Gallardo Hernández, researcher attached to the Medical Research Unit in Metabolic Diseases, located at the Cardiology Hospital of the National Medical Center (CMN) Siglo XXI, reported that In Mexico there are 2.7 million people with visual disabilities, a figure comparable to the entire population of the state of Sonora..
“The number of people with visual disabilities in Mexico is increasing, mainly due to chronic degenerative diseases.. In the IMSS we have approximately 850 thousand beneficiaries with visual disabilities. And it is necessary that we all as a society unite to allow them to reach their destinations safely,” he stressed.
Problems in Mexico for people with visual disabilities
He explained that Urban environments are designed primarily for sighted people, limiting the mobility of those who cannot perceive visual signals such as traffic lights or road signs.. “Urban environments are organized by visual aspects, so vision is a fundamental mediator to interact with the physical environment.”
What is the Kaná device?
The IMSS specialist added that This situation reduces education and employment opportunities for this sector of the population.which directly affects their quality of life and that of their families.
He indicated that the IMSS, in its commitment to the inclusion and safety of people with visual disabilities, developed the Kaná device, a technological innovation that complements the traditional white cane.
He explained that While the cane detects obstacles at floor and waist level, Kaná uses a radar system to identify objects that could hit the torso or head. “Through a vibration, Kaná alerts the user so they can avoid the obstacle. “This allows them to walk safely and independently even in unfamiliar environments.”.
He explained that the collaboration between the IMSS and the National DIF System was key to training people with visual disabilities in the use of the white cane and the Kaná device.. At the DIF center located in Coyoacán, Mexico City, beneficiaries are taught to move autonomously, including how to use public transportation, which has strengthened their independence and mobility in urban environments.
“The person responsible for this program is Dr. Nicolás Guzmán Nava, who has been fully willing to work with the Mexican Social Security Institute and share all the experience he has working with this population,” he acknowledged.
What can be done for this sector of the population?
Dr. Gabriela Gallardo stressed that Society plays a fundamental role in improving the security and autonomy of this population. “If we are aware and create a culture of collective care for people with visual impairments on the street, we can alleviate the burden on their caregivers.”
He stated that Simple actions such as offering your shoulder to guide, warning about obstacles, yielding on sidewalks, and avoiding blocking roads can make a significant difference. “When we find them on the street we can approach them and gently offer our help, which will mean support for people with visual disabilities and also for their families, since we will alleviate their difficulties so that they arrive safely and independently to their destinations”; but It will also contribute to feeling good about ourselves and strengthening our citizenship actions and the social fabric..
To improve urban accessibility, Dr. Gallardo mentioned that the installation of audible traffic lights and tactile signals is requiredwhich contain relief elements placed on the ground and are designed to be detected by the feet or white cane and oriented in public spaces.
“We can also help by being aware that where these podotactile signals do not exist, people use the facades of houses as a safety reference to avoid falling into the vehicular stream. So, if we see a person walking on this side of the street, it is important to allow them free movement,” he added.
The IMSS specialist recommended Avoid parking vehicles incorrectly, especially on sidewalks, as it prevents free pedestrian traffic. He also urged not to leave obstacles on the sidewalks that could obstruct the passage, in order to guarantee safe and accessible spaces for everyone..
With information from the IMSS
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