Assistance for the Visually Impaired
Globally, an estimated 43 million people are blind, and 295 million have low vision. Unfortunately, many of these individuals face mistreatment or even injustice. How does God feel about those who are blind? What does the Bible say about them? And how are Jehovah's Witnesses offering support today?
God's Perspective on the Visually Impaired
The Bible reveals that Jehovah deeply cares for those who are blind. He ensures they receive fair treatment and benefit from the education he provides. Additionally, he offers them a promising future.
Scripture: 'Cursed is the one who causes a blind person to lose his way.' - Deuteronomy 27:18
Explanation: In ancient times, the Law given by God to his people safeguarded blind individuals from abuse.
Scripture: 'God is not partial.' - Acts 10:34
Meaning: God values those who are blind just as much as those who can see.
Scripture: 'Jesus granted many blind people the gift of sight.' - Luke 7:21
Meaning: By restoring some people's sight during his earthly ministry, Jesus demonstrated the potential of God's Kingdom in the future.
Scripture: 'The eyes of the blind will be opened.' - Isaiah 35:5
Meaning: Jehovah promises that in the near future, when God's Kingdom rules the earth, those who are blind will gain the ability to see.
Jehovah's Witnesses' Assistance
Jehovah's Witnesses worldwide share God's message of hope with the visually impaired. Here's how we achieve this:
We produce the Bible, as well as Bible study publications and videos in various accessible formats for the blind and those with low vision, including braille, large print, and audio.
We regularly hold open Christian meetings, welcoming those who are blind.
We offer a one-on-one interactive Bible course with the help of a personal instructor.
All these services are provided without charge, following Jesus' command: 'You received free, give free.' - Matthew 10:8.
Jehovah's Witnesses genuinely care for those who are blind. We offer a supportive community for all who wish to worship God with us. Let's explore the stories of some Jehovah's Witnesses who are blind.
Talita Alnashi, from Sweden, has had low vision since birth. Discover how her parents taught her about the Bible and how she and her family have received love and support from their friends.
James Ryan, from the United States, was born deaf and later became blind. Learn how he leads a fulfilling life.
Bible Education Resources
Braille Publications: We publish braille editions of the Bible and various Bible-based publications in multiple languages. We also offer a workbook, 'Learn to Read Braille,' to assist those who are blind in learning braille with the help of a sighted person.
Large-Print Publications and Digital Content: Large-print editions of our publications are available for those with low vision. Our jw.org website is designed to display correctly even when zoomed in. The JW Library app also allows users to adjust the text size.
Audio Publications: We produce audio recordings of the New World Translation of the Bible in over 200 languages and many Bible-based publications. These recordings often include descriptions of artwork.
Videos with Audio Descriptions: Jehovah's Witnesses create Bible-based videos with audio descriptions in over 100 languages, aiding people in understanding and applying the Bible's practical advice.
Meetings and Events: We organize congregations worldwide for weekly learning and worship. We also host larger events for Bible education annually. At video-presenting events, we provide separate audio feeds with audio descriptions. For those who are blind and deaf, we offer tactile interpreting at our meetings and events, welcoming all without discrimination.
Meetings and Event Details: Find congregation meeting locations, learn about annual conventions, and attend the Memorial of Jesus' death, our most significant event of the year.
Meetings and Support: José Luis Ayala, from Mexico, was born deaf and became blind at 29. Discover how our meetings have played a vital role in his life and how he has been helped to become an effective Bible teacher.
