Learning French in Quebec is not just a choice; for immigrants, it is often a necessity. The province strongly promotes French as the common public language, and integration into society, employment, and even social life depends heavily on French proficiency. While this goal is understandable and important, the system does not work equally for everyone especially for blind people.
In a world driven by technology, few apps truly change lives but Be My Eyes has done just that. For millions of blind and low-vision people like me, it’s more than just an app; it’s a bridge to independence, confidence, and human connection.
I live in Montreal, Canada, a city where French is the primary language. Interestingly, the name Oscar is derived from a French word that means “bones” and “body” a fitting name for my new friend, a skeleton model that has become an essential part of my learning journey.
Many countries claim to practice inclusion, but as a blind traveler, I have often found that accessibility is not always a reality. One of the first things I notice in any new country is the accessibility of its currency notes. For a visually impaired person, identifying money is crucial for independence. Regardless of education or employment, if one cannot distinguish currency notes, financial autonomy becomes a challenge.
Canada is officially a bilingual country with English and French as its national languages. However, in practice, the use of both languages in public services varies across provinces. While cities like Ottawa maintain a bilingual public transportation system, ensuring announcements and signs are available in both English and French, Montreal poses a unique challenge for those who do not speak French especially for individuals with disabilities like myself.
As a blind individual originally from Pakistan and now living in Montreal, Canada, I am constantly amazed by the inclusive infrastructure here, particularly the Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) system.