The highlight of the event was the screening of the film "The Village of Silence", which was produced by multiple German Camera Award-winning filmmaker Bernd Umbreit. The film began with an introduction by the director, who prepared the students for the content and themes of the film. Umbreit then explained particular scenes from the film in a personal discussion and answered questions from the young people. "Personally, I was very moved by the film," commented Dr. Karlin Stark, Head of the Department of Health and Consumer Protection. "It conveys appreciation and respect for a world in which there are neither visual nor auditory impressions."
In"The Village of Silence", Heidi and Bernd Umbreit spent over a year following deaf-blind people who perceive their environment through the senses of touch, smell and taste. The film impressively showed that this world, although it may seem strange to outsiders, is neither dark nor mute.
Trail of the senses - a special experience
Even before the film screening and afterwards, the pupils had the opportunity to complete a sensory trail in front of the Central & Union Filmtheater. Under the guidance of the Württemberg Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the participants were able to overcome everyday obstacles while blindfolded and wearing simulation glasses that simulated various eye diseases such as cataracts. They received support from Ralf Müller from the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired and were guided through the course with touch sticks and other aids.
"This hands-on experience gave the young people an idea of what it feels like to cope with everyday life with a visual impairment," explains Dr. Uschi Traub, Head of the Prevention and Health Promotion Department. "The event in Ludwigsburg was a complete success and offered the pupils a unique opportunity to engage with the topic interactively and emotionally."
Week of Sight - an important initiative
The "Week of S ight" is an annual nationwide initiative that has been taking place since 2002 and is committed to preventing vision loss and supporting people with visual impairments. This year's "Week of Sight"takes place from October 8 to 15
and has the motto "See clearly". It is estimated that around 150,000 blind and 500,000 visually impaired people live in Germany. The campaign aims to promote awareness of good eyesight and respectful treatment of those affected.
Further information can be found at: www.woche-des-sehens.de
