A visually impaired woman who had her handbag stolen while attending a meeting for disabled people, would like the relevant authorities to provide better systems to protect and accommodate people like her.
Ruth Baveghems, 25, has been visually impaired since birth and lives in East Ruimveldt with her mother, brother, and daughter. She is unable to work due to her disability and relies on public assistance.
On Saturday, February 3, around 4:30 pm, Baveghems was attending a meeting for people with disabilities at a building on Lamaha Street, when someone on a bicycle reportedly entered the premises and took her bag. “I had rested my bag on the chair and went to speak to my cousin. When I returned, my bag was gone,” she lamented. Witnesses subsequently informed her that a man on a bicycle had swiftly taken her belongings.
This incident resulted in the loss of several vital documents for Baveghems, including her identification card, public assistance book, bank card, and TIN certificate.
After filing a report at the Alberttown police station, Baveghems was handed a document to present to Ministry of Human Services. However, the news that she wouldn’t receive her new public assistance book until May or June hit her hard.
Baveghems, who has a birthday next month, feels heartbroken and let down by the system. She is now urging the relevant ministries to implement better systems to accommodate individuals with disabilities, to ensure they feel supported and empowered as they navigate society. She stressed the importance of having more sighted individuals available at crucial places like government offices to offer assistance to those in need. Baveghems recounted her attempts to seek help from various ministries, including the Ministry of Education, only to be met with silence and indifference.
Despite her challenges, Baveghems remains hopeful that when she finally receives her new public assistance booklet, she’ll also be able to recover the funds she was unable to withdraw. This experience underscores the need for systemic changes to ensure equitable access and support for individuals with disabilities across all facets of society.
