Beyond Welfare: How Miri’s Blind Community Builds Greater Independence

FOR four decades, the Sarawak Society for the Blind Miri Branch (SSBM) has worked to help people who are blind or visually-impaired adapt to society, earn a sustainable living and live with dignity.

Yet, as the modern world evolves rapidly, the team has begun to recognise that the traditional ‘welfare and caretaking’ model is no longer enough to meet the changing needs of the community the society was established to serve.

Peer-to-peer approach

SSBM chairman Yang Yit Kian recalls how the society used to arrange everything for blind and visually impaired (BVI) individuals – from meals and accommodation to activities and livelihood support.

Today, however, he observes that the members are organising themselves and proposing what they need.

“We (the society) have actually run out of ideas on how to effectively help them,” Yang tells thesundaypost.

“BVI individuals have actively formed self-help groups, elected their own chairpersons, secretaries, and leaders to manage internal affairs and activities.

“SSBM steps back into a supporting role behind the scenes.

“Whatever they need, they will inform us and we will figure out ways to assist.”

Yang says the association now plays different roles, including providing training funds and resources, while allowing BVI individuals who have mastered the necessary skills to guide newcomers.

“After receiving massage training, some BVI individuals have secured employment to run or even franchise their massage business.

“They can then become trainers themselves, passing on practical working skills to and sharing their experience with other BVI individuals.

“This ‘peer-to-peer’ approach offers a clear advantage because the trainers have similar experiences.

“They know first-hand how to learn everything after losing sight, and they understand which movements, tools and teaching methods are truly suitable for blind individuals.”

Digital tools

Yang further points out that smartphones have become a vital tool for BVI individuals seeking independence.

“Through accessibility features on the phone, they can surf the Internet, listen to YouTube, communicate with friends, and even use e-hailing for rides – all independently.”

He also describes the development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in recent years as increasingly important in helping BVI individuals recognise their surroundings without actually ‘seeing’ them.

Yang adds that AI-assisted tools such as smart glasses can help BVI individuals manage daily activities, including buying groceries, choosing clothes, doing simple household chores and preparing meals – things that many sighted individuals take for granted.

“For many of us, these may be merely tech features, but for someone who is completely blind, it can mean one less time having to ask for help and one less step of having to depend on others.”

Support network

Another significant shift for SSBM in supporting BVI individuals is the establishment of a cooperative network with medical and rehabilitation institutions.

“SSBM used to do everything for BVI individuals including providing shelter at the society’s premises, providing handicraft or massage training so that they could earn a living, and forming busking bands for them to showcase their talents.

“Now, we’re no longer needed for most of these roles,” says Yang, an optometrist by profession who has led the branch for more than 20 years.

SSBM now collaborates with Miri Hospital’s Ophthalmology Clinic, occupational therapy units and other relevant professional bodies to offer targeted support based on different visual impairments and sight conditions.

Yang says the hospital handles medical treatment and rehabilitation, while occupational therapists help BVI individuals relearn daily living skills, including self-care, cooking and orientation.

The association, meanwhile, focuses on social support, connecting members with resources and providing follow-up assistance.

“This cross-sector model means BVI individuals are no longer simply categorised as ‘people in need of welfare care’.

“They may have started as ophthalmic patients, but they later enter the rehabilitation phase, learn independent living skills next, and ultimately reintegrate into the community or workforce.

“The SSBM is merely one link in the chain.”

Yang points out that many government departments, hospitals, enterprises and charitable organisations are now involved at various levels. This means the work that once fell on SSBM’s shoulders is now shared across the wider support network.

Sight-loss causes

According to ophthalmologist Dr Chieng Lee Ling, Miri Hospital recorded between 50 and 60 new cases of low vision and blindness annually, based on data available up to 2020.

The leading causes of low vision and blindness in Miri Division, based on the figures provided, were diabetic retinopathy, accounting for 2.4 per cent; glaucoma, at 24.5 per cent; retinitis pigmentosa, commonly known as ‘night blindness’, at around 10 per cent; and macular degeneration, at 6.32 per cent.

The latter mainly involved fundus macular degeneration among older adults.

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition caused by damage to the small blood vessels in the retina as a result of diabetes.

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that can damage the optic nerve, while the macula is the part of the eye responsible for the sharp, detailed central vision needed for everyday activities.

“Based on the statistics, the diabetic retinopathy is primarily caused by chronic high blood sugar levels associated by Type 1, Type 2 or gestational diabetes, while the glaucoma data shows that it is commonly hereditary, accounting for nearly half of the cases,” says Dr Chieng, who is also SSBM vice-chairman.

He emphasises that visual impairment must be distinguished between reversible and irreversible conditions.

“Just because a person cannot see at any one time, does not mean they will become permanently blind.

“Severe visual impairments caused by diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration are often irreversible or difficult to fully restore.

“These patients with permanent visual impairment are the primary targets for long-term services and registration by the society for the blind,” says Dr Chieng, who has more than 20 years of experience in ophthalmic medical care.

On cataracts, he points out that the condition is different.

“This is a condition that can be rectified.

“With early detection and surgery, it is possible for the patients to experience significant vision recovery, with some even restoring their sight to a fairly good level.”

A renewed hope

In his practice, Dr Chieng has seen how the loss of vision has changed his patients’ lives.

He also sees AI technology as offering new hope to those who cannot regain their sight.

“These technologies may not truly restore eyesight, but they can convert vast amounts of information that originally relied on the eyes into a language that the visually-impaired can hear and comprehend.

“They are able to recognise a person or a document, locate doors, check the weather, cook meals and even get an e-hailing ride.

“For the visually-impaired, this is perhaps the most practical significance of AI – it cannot replace real eyes, but it can become their ‘second pair of eyes’ to explore the world.”

Dr Chieng acknowledges that some real-time AI features in smart glasses are not yet available in Malaysia.

“However, the society (SSBM) is actively working with Miri Hospital in identifying the potential BVI individuals who can benefit from assistive technology.

“The targeted individuals are those who lost their sight due to various conditions, but are still able and willing to learn how to use smartphones with accessibility features.

“However, I have to say that access to the technology remains a challenge for some, particularly those whose existing phones are not compatible with the required features or applications.

“In some cases, they may need better smartphones to access these features.

“This is where organisations such as Lions Clubs and other charitable groups can help by providing second-hand smartphones with suitable capabilities,” he adds.

‘Blind Date with Food’

SSBM recently held the second edition of its ‘Blind Date with Food’ – a programme offering members of the public a brief experience of navigating a dining environment without sight.

Organised following the success of the first edition last year, the event registered 40 participants.

According to Dr Chieng, Blind Date with Food was designed to give participants a glimpse into the daily reality of people with visual impairment, allowing sighted individuals to better appreciate the uncertainty and challenges involved in performing even seemingly simple tasks without sight.

“Many things that sighted people do naturally such as identifying food on a plate, reaching for utensils or knowing where the items are placed, can become challenging when you cannot see.

“By removing their sense of sight during the meal, the participants were encouraged to rely on their other senses – particularly touch, smell and taste – while navigating the unfamiliar dining environment.”

Dr Chieng regards the initiative as helping to foster empathy and break down misconceptions about visual impairment, while encouraging the public to recognise the importance of accessibility, understanding and support in building a more inclusive community.

* TOMORROW: Rebuilding lives beyond sight

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