Blind advocacy group calls on govt to sign treaty

ON January 4th every year, people everywhere observe World Braille Day in commemoration of Louis Braille, the developer of the touch-based writing system that enables persons who are blind and partially sighted to access and share information.

Malaysians who are blind and partially sighted have benefited greatly from its introduction into the local education system.

Braille is not only important in the human capital development of persons who are blind and partially sighted but also contributes significantly to their inclusion in the physical, cultural and economic environment. 

The National Council of the Blind, Malaysia (NCBM) strongly urges the government to sign and ratify the Marrakesh Treaty to enable Malaysians who are blind and partially sighted to access copyrighted materials in accessible formats. 

By signing the Marrakesh Treaty, the government of Malaysia shall fulfill its commitment under the Asean Enabling Masterplan 2025: Mainstreaming the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

This course of action will enable Malaysia to deliver its commitment to other target programs, especially relating to education among persons with disabilities as underscored in the Action Plan for Persons with Disabilities 2016-22, the Incheon Strategy, as well as the Asean Enabling Masterplan 2025.

In 2020, NCBM alongside the Division of Special Education, teachers, and experts collaborated in reviewing and amending the Malay Language Braille Code.

The 2020’s amendment enables more effective learning of braille among students who are blind and partially sighted besides introducing a few new codes. 

The NCBM appeals to the Ministry of Education to adopt the Malay Language Braille Code (2020’s Amendment) and the Unified English Braille (UEB) by ensuring educators and students are provided with appropriate support and training.

This year, NCBM plans to conduct training workshops to promote the production of accessible electronic materials for readers who are blind and partially sighted.

Our end goal is to integrate accessibility as an inherent part during the production process of any type of materials, be it academic, creative or informative sources. – The Vibes, December 30, 2020