In Déols, in the calm of an October afternoon, Roger Foucret walks his shadow and his struggles. Blind since the age of 8, he has never seen the world as we perceive it, but has tamed it in his own way. This native of Châteauroux did not wait for the carpet of accessibility to be rolled out for him, he claimed it, with a white cane, smiles and determination. This Friday, October 4, National Day for the Visually Impaired recalls the importance of accessibility and awareness of the daily challenges of people with disabilities.
“We will be able to move things forward”
At 57, Roger is not the type to settle down. « I was born with double congenital glaucomahe says. At 2 and a half years old, I lost my right eye when I bumped into a table, and at 8 years old, a fall took away my left. » But if black is now his backdrop, his flame remains. “People who don’t have a disability don’t necessarily realize it,” he says, talking about the little everyday things.
Today, Roger Foucret is much more than just a resident of Déols. Since last July, he has been a member of the working group on universal accessibility at Châteauroux Métropole, appointed user expert. “ It’s pretty good, we’ll be able to move things forward.” he rejoices, aware of the importance of his role. With his eyes closed, he opens doors. “We work on everything: construction, transport, culture… Everything that allows a person with a disability to lead a life like an able-bodied person. »
Progress is there, but insufficient. “ There are already vigilance and guidance terminals, like at the SNCF station. We have a remote control that triggers vocalized sound beacons. But in some places, it’s still a hassle, we still have to feel our way, and that’s not going well. » The fight is therefore far from over.
The eye of tech
If Roger Foucret moves forward serenely, it is thanks to a mixture of technological innovation and obstinacy. Regional ambassador for a brand of electronic white cane, he enthusiastically explains how it works and makes his life easier. “The housing fits any white cane and works with ultrasound. Like a reversing camera on a car, it detects approaching obstacles and notifies me of them via audible feedback. I can avoid obstacles before I even touch them. »
But this gadget goes even further. Thanks to a connected application, Roger can also locate public transport around him. “All you have to do is choose a type of transport and the voice synthesis informs me.” Technology, far from being a gadget for him, is a real buoy at certain times. “With this, I gain autonomy. »
Roger is a fighter, a man who refuses to fade into the shadows. “I do as much as possible on my own. And when I succeed, it’s like a reward. »