KUALA LUMPUR: Guided by a stick, Malaysian Foundation for the Blind chief executive officer Silatul Rahim Dahman navigates the bustling five-foot ways of shoplots in Brickfields with his assistant.
This district in the heart of Kuala Lumpur is a hub where many blind individuals find opportunities, often working as masseurs, tissue sellers or musicians.
However, Silatul Rahim envisions a future where his community is known for more than just these conventional roles.
For decades, the Kedah-born pioneer has shattered barriers many deemed impossible.
His early life was far from ordinary.
It was not until he was 10 years old that his parents discovered a specialised school for the blind in Penang, setting him on an educational path that would defy expectations.
“I didn’t know that there was a school for me,” he said, recalling the initial uncertainty of his schooling.
After completing his primary education, Silatul Rahim attended Sultan Abdul Hamid College in Alor Setar, Kedah, an inclusive institution that enabled him to study alongside sighted peers.
This environment prepared him for an extraordinary leap – a scholarship to study computer science in Philadelphia, the United States, making him the first blind Malaysian to embark on such a journey.
Upon returning to Malaysia, he was driven by a vision to transform lives through technology.
“I thought it would be good to introduce computer training, computer education and so forth to the blind in Malaysia,” Silatul Rahim said.
Overcoming hurdles: Malaysian Foundation for the Blind staff member Andy Boo demonstrating the use of a printer that is capable of producing Braille at its office in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur.
Since 1993, his initiatives have empowered thousands of visually impaired individuals, not only within Malaysia but also across 18 countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
“We champion providing ICT training to the blind and low-vision people in Malaysia and the region,” he said.
His efforts have enabled blind individuals to break into new professions, moving beyond traditional roles to become teachers, lecturers and programmers, among others.
“Technology can be a tool to enhance dedication, employment and day-to-day life for the visually impaired community,” he said.
“By gaining ICT knowledge and skills, our community is now able to expand their work of opportunity.
“We want to see visually impaired doctors treating patients using technology,” he added.
Silatul Rahim’s journey has not been without its challenges.
The rapid evolution of technology demands constant adaptation to maintain accessibility for blind users.
Yet, he remains steadfast, exploring the integration of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
“I would want to wear a ring ... just place it on the board and it reads,” he envisions, showcasing his innovative thinking.
Bright future ahead: ‘By gaining ICT knowledge and skills, our community is now able to expand their work of opportunity,’ says Silatul Rahim. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
Beyond technology, Silatul Rahim is a vocal advocate for the inclusion of disabled individuals in societal decision-making, adhering to the principle “nothing about us without us”.
He called for recognising the blind as active contributors, not mere recipients, in national development.
“Get us involved in the policymaking process because we are the blind, the disabled.
“We are the beneficiaries of whatever programmes you may design.
“We are the users of whatever products that you may want to develop for us,” he said firmly.
Malaysia, with its supportive policies, is fertile ground for such inclusive growth, according to Silatul Rahim.
“Malaysia is one of the most liveable countries for persons with disabilities,” he acknowledges while appreciating the strides made in education and employment opportunities for the visually impaired.
As the newly appointed president of the International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment, Silatul Rahim aims to extend his influence globally, focusing on regions plagued by conflict where blindness is on the rise.
His vision includes establishing a National Institute for Assistive Technology to continue bridging the digital divide and fostering innovation.
Bringing people together: Silatul Rahim’s initiatives have empowered thousands of visually impaired individuals across 18 countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
Winning the Star Golden Hearts Award (SGHA) serves as both recognition and motivation for Silatul Rahim.
“There are a lot of champions, and many heroes in society,” he said.
He added that this accolade affirms his relentless efforts to make the world more inclusive.
For his noble efforts, Silatul Rahim is named as one of the 10 winners of the SGHA 2024.
SGHA is an annual award by The Star that honours everyday Malaysian unsung heroes.
For more details, visit sgha.com.my.
