Ever Wondered How The Blind See Art? M’sian Student Sheds Light On OKU Visibility At Exhibition

By Quinny Tan  •  27 Jul 2022 in Features

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The stark lack of accessibility and resources available in this country for people with disabilities is disappointing, and most people don’t even think about it!

Unless you know someone who lives with a physical disability, who is in your everyday life, how often do you pay attention to ramps instead of staircases, or braille on elevator buttons?

Fung Su En, a Design Communications student from Sunway University decided to base her major research project on spreading awareness on people with disabilities, while conveying her message through visual arts.

 

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“A disabled person is discriminated against and left out by people and daily activities. However, there is a lack of research done on them to help them,” she said.

She conducted a survey, and 93% of respondents admitted that they had little to no information about people with disabilities and the lives they live.

Through this, she carried out a series of interviews with several people who are living with disabilities. Among them are these types of disabilities:

• Cerebral Palsy, affects balance and legs
• Glaucoma at age 61, only has 6% of sight in right eye
• Osteogenesis Imperfecta, soft bones
• Poliomyelitis, paralysed from the waist down
• Retinitis Pigmentosa, loss of cells in retina and gradually became blind

There are many types of disabilities, and not all of them are heard of. Most of us only think of the general disabilities, such as a loss of limb, or being deaf.

A few quotes from her interviewees, who prefer to remain anonymous, shed light on what it’s like to live with a disability.

“I have to consider the risks before doing anything, such as climbing stairs or using the escalator. I depend on my family for transportation because people tend to be inconsiderate and block off paths.”

“People don’t know the proper way of guiding a blind person, often I don’t know if it’s safe to follow them because they are not mindful of my steps.”

Sunway University is hosting an exhibition for all students that took part in this project.

Su En’s research and booth is open to the public, where you can learn more about how you can play your part in helping people with disabilities.

It features interactive art pieces where you have to guess what’s painted on the canvas while it’s being hidden under a cloth.

The purpose of this is to see the world through a blind person’s eyes and how they have to rely on other senses to enjoy something as simple as looking at an art piece.

 

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There’s also other booths that focus on different topics; social media addiction, self-harm, beauty standards, and sex education that can be taught through a family friendly card game.

As always, be mindful of others and take the time to understand what they’re going through too.

JUICE had the opportunity to give you a peek into what these students are doing. Check out our video!

 

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