National Assembly staff trained to guide the blind |16 May 2026
On Thursday, May 14, 2026, the National Assembly of Seychelles hosted a special training session on ‘Guiding the Blind and Visually Impaired’ for parliamentary service staff from various departments.
The training, organised in collaboration with the Seychelles Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired (Sabvi), took place at the National Assembly and forms part of efforts to create a more accessible, safe, and inclusive parliamentary environment.
The session was led by Edward Mullen, joined by Rosabel Hoareau, chairperson of Sabvi, and Norris Crouse.
This specialised training is a key component of the broader ‘A Parliament for All’ project, funded through the Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities (CPwD) Capital Investment Fund of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). It aligns with Component One of the project, which focuses on disability awareness and sensitivity training for both parliamentary staff and members of Parliament.
More than 12 staff members participated in interactive activities designed to deepen their understanding of the challenges faced by blind and visually impaired individuals, while learning practical techniques for guiding them safely around the parliamentary building and public galleries.
Mr Mullen highlighted that blindness and serious visual impairment affect around 300 Seychellois, underscoring the importance of such training.
The CPwD‑funded project will also include further awareness and training sessions, ensuring that staff involved in outreach and parliamentary tours are equipped to assist differently‑abled groups. This will extend to specialised online training on disability awareness and health and safety, enabling more inclusive risk assessments and improvements for members, staff, and visitors.
Through initiatives like this, the National Assembly continues its proactive journey toward becoming a more democratically inclusive institution.
The accompanying photos show some highlights of the training session.
Press release – National Assembly