Housebound blind people could be brought back into the community following a national survey into the needs of the blind and visually impaired.

Culture and Social Rehabilitation Minister Dale Butler yesterday announced the project to be run by Government and charities for the elderly and the blind.

The Minister had spent the two hours leading up to the press conference tottering around Hamilton in a blindfold with a white stick to experience some of the everyday difficulties faced by blind people.

In that short space of time, Mr. Butler found problems buying the right cold medication from a pharmacy, choosing a tie, selecting the correct banknote from his wallet and, more seriously, nearly had his arm whipped off in an accident.

His companion for the morning, Sherman Thompson, who went blind six years ago, told The Royal Gazette many people were unable to develop the skills to leave their homes because of the lack of mobility and rehabilitation instructors in Bermuda.

"First of all we have got to find out how many blind and impaired people are in Bermuda. There's so many people stuck in their homes that need to get out in the community," said Mr. Thompson.

"It's getting easier for me. It's just practice. After I went blind I spent six months in school in Baltimore learning how to cope. We need people to be able to get that kind of help here in Bermuda."

The National Survey of People who are Blind or Visually Impaired will be carried out by the National Office for Seniors and Physically Challenged in conjunction with the Department of Statistics and the Bermuda Society for the Blind.

Amanda Marshall, a board member of the blind society, told the media: "The initial experience that many people have is that they don't know what to do, where to go.

"They need help to adjust emotionally: practical help to get around their house; how to cook and shop."

Dr. Marshall said people needed to be shown what technology is available and what type of strategies they can use to get by.

On his own brief stint as a blind man, Mr. Butler said: "While this was just an exercise of two hours, it was a very meaningful experience.

"It was not an easy task at all. I had to demonstrate tremendous patience; I had to listen well; I had to be steady and slow when I got up from my chair."

Mr. Butler said the National Policy on Disability, launched in 2007, had identified that Bermuda has insufficient data documenting the prevalence, impact and management of disability, particularly those with visual impairments.

The three-month survey will begin in March. Blind people and those with visual impairments should register for the survey by calling NOSPC on 292-7802 and asking for Ann Lindroth or Keith Simmons.

Alternatively persons may telephone the Bermuda Society for the Blind, at 292-2975, and ask for Dr. Marshall.

Ophthalmologists, optometrists, the Bermuda Diabetes Association, nursing and rest homes, the Bermuda Hospitals Board and the Ministry of Education are also asked to help identify people who are blind or have visual impairments.