By Oleksandr Maishev
Germany is a country where language opens doors. It creates job opportunities, facilitates encounters and helps people become part of the community. For people with visual impairments, however, this path often seems more difficult. Many Ukrainians in Tübingen who have limited vision doubt whether they can complete an integration course. But they can.
The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) offers special integration courses designed for people with visual or hearing impairments. The groups are small and the support is individualised. Learning materials in Braille, audio materials and Braille displays are standard. The courses last 1,000 instead of 700 teaching hours. They are offered at the Berufsförderungswerk Würzburg, the Frankfurter Stiftung für Blinde und Sehbehinderte and the Paritätisches Bildungswerk Bremen, among others. If there are no suitable programmes nearby, the BAMF can cover travel or accommodation costs. All you need to do is submit an application.
Successful in regular courses
Special programmes are not the only option. More and more visually impaired Ukrainians are attending regular integration courses—including online courses. One example is Kateryna Maisheva from Tübingen. Her field of vision is less than five degrees. Nevertheless, she is about to complete her integration course at the Reutlingen Adult Education Centre and is preparing for the B1 exam.
Learning became easier day by day
“I remember my first lessons,” says Kateryna. “I was afraid. I didn’t know if I could do it, if others would accept me. Then I realised: I’m not here for pity, but to learn. I used magnification programmes, electronic magnifying glasses and printed learning materials in large print. It was exhausting, but it got easier every day. You can’t expect others to constantly guide you. Believing in yourself is the real strength.”
Equal rights in the group
Kateryna began her journey with the support of volunteers from the Baden-Württemberg Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. They helped her prepare and find a suitable school. Her course is funded by the Jobcentre and the BAMF. Today, she studies in a regular group—together with sighted people—and feels that she has equal rights.
Technical aids are available
She advises people not to be afraid of regular groups if they have some residual vision and can use technical aids—such as screen readers like NVDA or JAWS, the Be My Eyes app or screen magnification programmes. It is important to inform the teacher of your needs so that they can comment on screen actions or call out page numbers. This makes lessons accessible and enjoyable.
Another example
Yevhen Pohorielow from Lower Saxony also has a severe visual impairment. After partially losing his sight, he attended an integration course at the Vechta District Adult Education Centre and passed the B1 exam. The teachers adapted the materials, but his perseverance and determination were crucial. “When you talk openly about your difficulties,” he says, “people react with respect. The important thing is not to give up.”
Blind association advises and helps
Those who are just starting out can contact the German Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBSV) or the regional associations—for example, in Baden-Württemberg. They offer advice, help with applications and information on technical aids. Financial support for courses, laptops or magnifying devices can be applied for through the job centre or social services. Many technical aids are also financed by health insurance companies.
Willpower is crucial
Learning German is not easy for people with visual impairments, but it is achievable. The stories of Kateryna and Yevhen show that it is not sight that is crucial, but willpower. Language becomes the key to a new life when you believe in yourself. Or, as Kateryna says: “Limitations should not be a reason not to learn. Today’s methods give everyone a chance. Fear is just an illusion—what matters is motivation and belief in yourself.”
Further information:
Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF):
BAMF – Integration courses
Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Baden-Württemberg:
bsv-wuerttemberg – Advice
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