THE ORGANIZATION AT A GLANCE
Eqla is a Belgian association that works on a daily basis with and for visually impaired people. Founded in 1922 at the instigation of Father Agnello, the association offers a range of local services to help visually impaired people integrate into society, by working with them to develop their autonomy and self-fulfillment: comprehensive, personalized support at all stages of life, access to a variety of cultural and leisure activities, and training in new technologies.
ORGANIZATIONAL MILESTONES
- 1922 – Oeuvre Nationale des Aveugles founded
- 1948 – creation of the social service
- 1988 – creation of a support service for young people
- from 1997 – recognition of the association by regional authorities (AVIQ, Phare, COCOF…)
- 2019 – name change: ONA becomes Eqla
- 2022 – Eqla turns 100!
THE MOST IMPORTANT PROJECTS, MISSIONS AND/OR ACTIVITIES AND THEIR IMPACT :
We offer :
– comprehensive care, involving the family and friends and taking into account the needs of the individual in all areas of life
– personalized responses that respect the individual and his or her choices
– specific support at every stage of life
– solutions adapted to the changing face of society
– the desire to enable people to play a full part in their own life project
SHORT TESTIMONIAL ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION OR ONE OF ITS PROJECTS OR ACTIVITIES
“Reading when you’re visually impaired is very difficult. That’s why I use an adapted audio player: I listen to the book! Reading takes me on a journey, allowing me to escape for a few hours. The audio player is easy to use, and I can feel the big buttons on it, giving me a moment of relaxation. Unfortunately, the authorities don’t intervene in the cost of this player because I’m over 65. Fortunately, I can get it on loan, free of charge, from Eqla.”
Website: Eqla asbl
For more information, please contact our Project Manager, Séverine Laneau slaneau@ufb.be, who will be able to answer your questions and tell you how you can support this or any other project through UFB.