title: A Cuban NGO perspective on disabilities: José Blanch MD MPH, National Association of Blind Persons. Interview by Gail Reed.
abstract: Dual specialties in epidemiology and labor medicine, as well as an advanced degree in public health, gave Dr José Blanch expertise on disabilities in Cuba from a population health perspective. However, when he began losing his sight due to a diabetic retinopathy while serving in Africa, he also began a difficult journey that would transform his life and career, giving him new personal and professional perspectives on disability and the potential of disabled persons. Active for the past several years in the National Association of Blind Persons (ANCI, its Spanish acronym), in 2010 Dr Blanch was elected President of the non-governmental organization. He spoke with MEDICC Review about ANCI's role and challenges in the context of Cuba today.
authors.affiliation: National Association of Blind Persons, Cuba.
authors.forename: José
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Blanch
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D003462:Cuba / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009938:Organizations; D011639:Public Opinion; D011640:Public Policy; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012931:Social Environment; D012932:Social Facilitation; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D019987:Persons with Visual Disabilities / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*