In the fall 2005, we have realised a small survey on how our association was perceived : by its members but also by persons close to it or interested in its work. We received 30 answers from 8 different countries. Most of the answers are from Belgium, Roumania, France and Italy.
80% of respondents consider VIEWS as an international or a European association. The majority would like it to be an umbrella organisation.
The proposal of structuring VIEWS as an umbrella organisation with VIEWS relays in the different countries has met with major approbation. However, the debate is still open and the point will be at the agenda of the GA. As to the form of the national relays, that will be left of course to the free choice in the different countries.
The main acknowledged activities are:
As we expected, the meetings of young VI are that part of our activities which is the most visible ; however, "training" in the broad sense of the word was also retained. And finally, the new activities (EVS, staff training, network maintenance) were also perceived.
VIEWS' work is diversified and collaborations were offered (see our page Call for collaborators):
A majority of respondents wish to collaborate, or even organise other VIEWS actions at European level.
I was surprised and pleased about people's and in particular youngsters' great involvement : I am very happy that many people declare themselves ready to manage a project or to organise new activities at European level. As concerns the other collaborations, the issue of availability was often raised besides the will to participate. Also, the contents of the different " jobs " that we proposed was not always clear : we'll have to take those 2 aspects into consideration when we'll contact you for collaboration.
About half the respondends are interested in designing a survey about the needs and expectations of vi youngsters and nearly all in spreading it.
Finally, over 80% do consider VIEWS' action to have a different impact from the already existing organisations for the young visually impaired in Europe.
The very positive answers to this question reinforces our feeling that VIEWS does indeed meet with a "gap" in terms of objectives (meeting and autonomy of the youngsters), methods (partnership with the youngsters and the professionals) and spirit (openness and participation). This makes us want to pursue our activities in the same direction and enlarge them together with the youngsters and taking their requests and needs into account.
Béatrice Willemaerts, Chairwoman