‘Visually-impaired persons also asset to society if given chance’

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Fatimah handling the white cane belonging to Sa while she discusses the upcoming national-level White Cane Day 2016 which Kuching will be hosting.

Fatimah handling the white cane belonging to Sa while she discusses the upcoming national-level White Cane Day 2016 which Kuching will be hosting.

KUCHING: Showing the success stories of visually-impaired members of the community is important because it demonstrates that this disability is not an obstacle to getting an education.

In stating this, Welfare, Women and Community Wellbeing Minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah said this shows that if given an opportunity they can also be an asset to society.

She made these remarks when receiving a courtesy call from the organising committee of the national-level White Cane Day 2016, a three-day event dedicated to increasing public awareness of the visually-impaired. Fatimah is patron of the event.

White Cane Day is celebrated internationally on October 15. The Kuching event will take place from Oct 14 to 16, with the main event taking place on the 15th.

The state is playing host for the first time, and expects delegates from all over the country.

According to organising chairman James Bandang, it is important to send out the message that being blind is not a burden to society.

“If you are parents of visually-impaired children, you can send them for special education classes. The sooner, the better,” he told reporters during the courtesy call yesterday.

He added that they need equal opportunities as well.

“Many people think that the blind can only sing but there are many other things we can do,” said James, who is a special education teacher for Bahasa Malaysia.

The exhibition will take place at the Kuching Waterfront. The event will be launched at a nearby hotel before delegation members march down to the site with help from their white canes.

This event will call attention to how mobility is important to those who rely on non-visual cues in public spaces such as the street.

While facilities such as tactile paving are already in place in areas such as Jalan Ong Tiang Swee, event advisor Isak Ngau said there is still a need to create awareness.

“For example, don’t block the tactile paving on the sidewalk with garbage cans or cars. We need it to get around,” said Isak, who is also a special education teacher.

The group, who is part of the Sarawak Society for the Blind, is also in the process of sourcing funds and sponsorship.

Also present were treasurer Sa Senambong and committee member Rangong Unggang.