Who We Are

About Us

Visually Impaired People’s Society (VIPS) is a prominent, national-level rights-based organization for individuals with visual disabilities in Bangladesh. Established on January 4, 2005, by a group of passionate individuals with visual impairments, VIPS is dedicated to empowering not only those with visual disabilities but also individuals with a range of disabilities. As one of the leading organizations for visually impaired persons in Bangladesh, VIPS aims to foster an inclusive society where persons with disabilities can fully participate and thrive.

Since its inception, VIPS has been at the forefront of advocacy efforts to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, working closely with government bodies and mainstream organizations to influence policy and effect positive change. Through these collaborations, the organization strives to create equal opportunities for visually impaired and disabled individuals, focusing on improving access to education, employment, and public life.

A central aspect of VIPS’s mission is its capacity-building programs, designed to equip individuals with the skills needed to lead independent lives. These include Computer training, Android and PC, Laptop operating system training, safe mobility techniques, Motivation and Counseling service, Digital Marketing training, Content Writing training, Corporate Setup Training and the production of Braille materials. VIPS also ensures that visually impaired individuals have access to critical information and resources, through initiatives like embossing Braille books and producing accessible documents.

With a membership of 216 graduate individuals with visual impairments, VIPS is driven by the diverse experiences and insights of its members, all of whom contribute to shaping the organization’s efforts. The Executive Committee, comprising 13 dedicated members, provides strategic direction and ensures VIPS stays true to its founding values of empowerment and equality.

VIPS operates under the regulatory oversight of the NGO Affairs Bureau (2338) and the Directorate of Social Services (DSS), ensuring compliance with national standards of transparency, accountability, and legitimacy. These regulatory frameworks strengthen VIPS's credibility and enable productive engagement with national and international stakeholders.

In its ongoing pursuit of empowerment and inclusion, VIPS is a catalyst for change in Bangladesh, advocating for a more accessible and equitable society. By promoting the rights of individuals with disabilities and fostering their active participation in all aspects of life, VIPS inspires resilience and progress, driving positive change across communities nationwide.

Vision

Persons with visual impairments will be identified as a creative workforce and have equal access to society as others.

Mission

• VIPS is recognized as a resource organization for people with visual impairments.
• The organization will have the capacity to cater to the requirements of visually impaired persons by focusing on IEC and other materials and establishing stakeholder networks at different levels.
• The organization will have the capacity to identify the needs of advocacy, build capacity, and promote the rights of persons with disabilities.
• The organization will have evidence-based documents focusing on the areas of rights and equal access to the development of visually impaired people.

Organizational Structure

VIPS is comprised of general council, executive committee and a secretariat. It is a non-political, non-communal, non-profitable and democratic organization. All full members of VIPS are conscious and visually impaired people. The General Council is consisting of 216 members. An executive committee is elected every 2 (two) year with their direct vote and it consists of 15 (Fifteen) members where there are 4 women quotas. There is a restriction to be elected in the same post of the executive committee not more than twice. Its administrative activities and the responsibilities of implementing decisions taken in all layers of organization properly are entrusted with the secretariat. The secretariat is comprised of voluntary, and interest taking and salaried employees. Besides VIPS has an advisory council consisting of experienced, social welfare oriented, professional and intellectual and leaders of civil society.

Our Works

VIPS is dedicated to conducting constructive and constitutional social movements to address the challenges faced by visually impaired person as well as other person with disabilities in education, vocational training, safe movement, daily activities, and employment. It arranges training, seminars and workshops in partnership with private organizations to raise social awareness and implement various programs, while also undertaking modern projects to integrate visually impaired people into mainstream social development. Through these efforts, VIPS aims to cultivate responsible, rights-conscious, and productive citizens, fostering unity and solidarity among visually impaired individuals and related organizations. The organization also leverages modern ICT to enhance education, training, and employment, while advocating for policy changes and lobbying for the enactment of the Disability Rights and Protection Act in alignment with the UNCRPD, with a focus on inclusive education, employment opportunities, and accessibility.