Innovative transportation option tailored for the visually impaired community
FC Bayern Munich Blind Friends Association Introduces New Mobility Service
The Munich Blind Friends Association has expanded its support offerings for the visually impaired with the introduction of a new mobility service. Known as the blind mobile, this initiative is available free of charge to all Munich residents with visual impairments.
Thorsten Brauer, the managing director of the association, was the initiator of the blind mobile in 2007. He wanted to imagine the difficulties faced by those who are blind or have poor vision, and his efforts led to the creation of this essential service.
Rainer Henkel, the third board member of the association, has taken on the honorable, voluntary role of driving the Munich blind mobile. Henkel, who previously worked in the financial sector for 40 years before retiring, picks up and drops off visually impaired or blind individuals for appointments in the Munich district or city, and offers his help with entering buildings and handling matters.
It is recommended to call two days in advance to schedule a ride with Henkel. Approximately ten percent of the population in Germany have a visual impairment, are visually impaired, or blind, which equates to around eight million people. In Munich, there are approximately 5,000 residents who are severely visually impaired or completely blind.
The Blind-Fahrservice (blind-driving service) in Munich was initiated by the organization "Blinden- und Sehbehindertenverband München" (the Munich Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired), and the service was originally planned to start in 2023. However, thanks to the dedication of Brauer and Henkel, the service is now available to the public.
Two trips per day are realistic for the Munich blind mobile service, based on Henkel's experience. The association is financed through donations, and the donation account information is provided. The Munich Blind Friends Association, founded in 1860, recently announced at a press event that they have expanded their support offer for the visually impaired.
The association has prominent supporters, including actor Armin Rohde and Heidrun Beckenbauer from the Franz Beckenbauer Foundation. The Munich Blind Friends Association is an affiliate of the German Blind Friends Association, which has a long history.
Brauer came up with the idea for the blind mobile after struggling to find a room in the town hall due to his own visual impairment. The service is a new addition to the support offerings provided by the Munich Blind Friends Association, and it is clear that it will make a significant difference in the lives of many visually impaired or blind Munich residents.
