In English

The Swedish Association of Visually Impaired Youth

The Swedish Association of Visually Impaired Youth, US (Riksorganisationen Unga Synskadade), is an interest organisation whose members consist of visually impaired youth aged 12 to 30. The goal of our organisation is to make sure visually impaired persons in Sweden have the possibility, and opportunity, to be a part of, and interact with, society on equal terms with the sighted. US works through influencing decision-makers and administrations, to inform these and the public of visually impaired persons’ situation and opportunities. The purpose of this is to improve our society and counteract prejudices.

US also gives visually impaired youth the opportunity to get together through our social activities. We arrange travels, camps and conferences on current topics. Through US visually impaired young people can get together to share their experiences, to exchange suggestions and ideas on how different hardships can be overcome. US tries to make visually impaired persons aware of their rights and obligations and to stimulate young persons with disabilities to an increased participation in society, organisational life, labour market, education and politics.

US was founded in 1975 as the youth section within the Swedish Association of the Visually Impaired, SRF (Synskadades Riksförbund), but since 1983 it is an independent organization. The difference between SRF and US is the age of their respecitve members, as members of SRF are a great deal older. SRF also handles all childrens’ activities as US is the youth organization. Both of these cooperate closely however.

US covers the whole nation and consists of eight districts from all over the country. Districts work on local, municipal and regional levels while the Swedish association work on the national level.