MAB launches first Braille edition of ‘Physical Health Therapy’ textbook

In a significant step towards empowering the visually impaired community in Malaysia, the Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB) inaugurated the ‘Physical Health Therapy’ course and launched the first Braille edition of the ‘Physical Health Therapy’ textbook. The event took place at the MAB Complex in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, and marked a collaborative effort between Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Medical Faculty, Sports and Recreational Sciences Faculty, and the Barakah Medical Wellness Centre.

The initiative responds to the rising demand for skilled masseurs in Malaysia, particularly in sports massage. Datuk George Thomas, CEO of MAB, emphasized the importance of such skills in creating job opportunities and boosting incomes for the visually impaired. “Masseurs or therapists themselves have high job prospects both locally and internationally. Exposure and structured training from experts through modules can be used to help participants apply massage techniques immediately and effectively,” Datuk George said.

Empowering the visually impaired

Dr. Lee J. Peter, Assistant Professor at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, who attended the event, highlighted the textbook’s significance in enhancing accessibility and providing specialist training. “This textbook represents a pivotal step towards enhancing accessibility by offering specialist training in massage techniques for visually impaired masseurs, equipping them with the essential skills needed to meet this growing demand. In addition to improving accessibility, it promises to unlock future job opportunities as masseurs,” he stated.

Dr. Lee shared his observations from his visit to the MAB office, noting the insights gained from engaging with visually impaired individuals. “Engaging in interviews with visually impaired individuals provided significant insights into the challenges they face, inspiring me to advocate for practical actions to enhance support for Malaysia’s visually impaired community,” he added.

During his interactions, Dr. Lee discovered the pervasive issue of limited job opportunities and discrimination faced by visually impaired individuals in Malaysia. He advocated for the establishment of accessible work environments and recruitment practices that consider the abilities of visually impaired individuals. “Positions such as customer service, telephone support, transcription services, data entry, and online content creation offer considerable potential for valuable employment opportunities for the visually impaired community,” he suggested.

Advocating for better employment opportunities

Dr. Lee also stressed the need for more support for businesses run by the visually impaired. He recounted a conversation with a visually impaired entrepreneur who owns a massage therapy centre in Brickfields, highlighting the challenges faced in registering businesses, obtaining licenses, and accessing government support. “We need a comprehensive approach that includes policy reforms to streamline the registration and licensing processes for disabled entrepreneurs, training programmes for government officials, and dedicated support and incentive schemes specifically tailored to visually impaired businesses,” Dr. Lee proposed.

He further highlighted the critical issue of accessible infrastructure, comparing Malaysia’s facilities to those in Europe. “Increasing awareness about accessible public spaces is essential for promoting inclusivity. State governments could play a proactive role in allocating funds to local councils to ensure accessible infrastructure features such as tactile pavements, Braille signage in public buildings, and auditory signals at traffic intersections,” he urged.

Dr. Lee praised the ongoing collaboration between Heriot-Watt University Malaysia and MAB, which has raised over RM20,000 for MAB and facilitated volunteer opportunities for students. “The role of collaboration and partnership in bolstering support for the visually impaired community cannot be overstated,” he remarked.

By embracing these recommendations, Malaysia can pave the way for a more inclusive future for its visually impaired community. This event marks a crucial milestone in that journey, showcasing the power of education, collaboration, and community support in transforming lives.