National Library Connects Visually Impaired To Services Through Special Programme

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 15 (Bernama) -- The "Sehari Bersama Orang Kurang Upaya Penglihatan" programme, held in conjunction with the 2024 Karnival Baca Perdana by the National Library of Malaysia (PNM), is a valuable platform to connect the visually impaired community with access to information and services offered by PNM.

PNM's Subsidiaries and Community Library director, Ali Rashid, said the hybrid programme was part of PNM's efforts, as an internationally recognised entity, to empower and promote programmes for the visually impaired.

“We have a close collaboration with the Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB), and this programme is one of the initiatives we have implemented to encourage a reading culture among the visually impaired.

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“This is our effort to bring the community closer to the library so they can use the resources and engage in activities here, preventing them from being marginalised and fostering greater independence,” he said.

Ali said this to Bernama after the programme, which was also attended by MAB chief executive officer Datuk George Thomas, at Menara PNM here today.

Meanwhile, Ali said that other groups of persons with disabilities would not be left out in future PNM programmes, as there were plans for specific slots dedicated to their needs.

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He added that the future programmes would include increasing the participation of disabled individuals through engaging activities such as treasure hunts, poetry competitions, declamations, and theatre performances.

“For this involvement, we will continue our strategic plan to collaborate with the Ministry of Higher Education, the Ministry of Education, and other relevant bodies, as we have strong engagement with MAB,” he said.

The "Sehari Bersama Orang Kurang Upaya" programme is held annually to provide better understanding and exposure on the specific needs of the visually impaired and the challenges of print disabilities in delivering more effective and inclusive services.

Among the highlights of the event was the Braille Reading Competition in Malay, which was participated by 18 contestants of various ages, and a talk titled “The Contribution of Technology Towards Empowering Accessibility of Information for the Visually Impaired” by the University of Malaya’s Department of Educational Psychology and Counselling senior lecturer, Dr Ahmad Shamsuri Muhammad.

Meanwhile, 14-year-old Amir Harith Mohd Najib, a student from SMK Pendidikan Khas Setapak and a participant of the Braille Reading Competition, was thrilled to be announced as the winner.

“At first, I was nervous, but when I won, I felt really excited because this was my first time winning a Braille competition. I hope to participate again next year with my friends,” he said.

-- BERNAMA