The I See Foundation supports visually impaired people in fulfilling their potential. This can also be achieved through entrepreneurship.
Published in 2022, the figures from Unia, the former Federal Centre for Equal Opportunities, are clear. Much more than race, religious or philosophical beliefs, disability is the primary criterion for discrimination in employment in Brussels. And according to Statbel, only 26% of people with disabilities are in employment, compared to 65% of the total population. This is a particularly acute problem for blind or visually impaired people, who face obstacles from the outset when it comes to getting to work. According to a study by the Braille Foundation, the majority do not feel safe on the streets, where they encounter too many obstacles. And only 6% are accompanied by a guide dog. It takes at least two to three years to obtain one of these faithful companions.
It was in response to this situation that Frédéric Storme came up with the idea for the I see Foundation a little over ten years ago, based around a team of dog trainers. Shepherds, Labradors and Golden Retrievers are trained in close collaboration with their new owners in order to best meet their specific needs.
Actively contributing to society
Since its creation, the foundation has significantly expanded its scope of action, adding training, social integration, technology skills and self-confidence to its focus on mobility. Its mission is to enable visually impaired people to actively contribute to the development of society. ‘Far beyond mobility, we want to contribute to their independence in life,’ explains Isabel Litvin, HR & Inclusion Manager. Gradually, the I See Foundation has developed a support centre that encourages its beneficiaries – particularly young people – to set goals and commit to a personal or professional project.
High-level profiles
Although the rise of diversity policies has opened the doors of companies wider in recent years, the opportunities offered often fall short of candidates' skills. ‘The visually impaired community is home to many high-level profiles. We teach them how to contact recruiters directly and communicate the right approaches – sometimes very simple ones – for successful collaboration, so that they can fully leverage their qualifications, development potential and talents,’ continues the manager. And according to her, these assets are numerous. ‘Resourcefulness, proactivity, boldness, organisational skills, problem analysis, a creative problem-solving mindset, communication and assertiveness skills... In many cases, visually impaired people are far more efficient than the average candidate,’ she says.
Breaking down limiting beliefs
In addition to individual support, the foundation organises various group trips with the support of the King Baudouin Foundation. Bringing together young people facing difficulties – disabilities, addictions, dropping out of school, etc. – these trips allow them to challenge themselves and support each other in their projects, breaking down the limiting beliefs that can hold them back.
With AVIQ, the foundation is also involved in a programme to support the creation of new businesses. Although they face the same risks as any other project leader, disabled entrepreneurs benefit from greater support and safety nets under this programme. ‘Entrepreneurship attracts too few people with disabilities,’ observes Isabel Litvin. ‘Yet when you have ideas, courage and skills, it's a wonderful avenue for personal development!’