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Each of us experiences the world through a unique blend of senses, guided by sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. For many, sight leads the way, defining the landscapes we move through, the faces we recognise, and the subtleties we interpret. But for some, the world is shaped differently, unfolding through the rhythm of voices, the textures under their fingertips and the distinct scents that ground them in certain spaces. This perspective came to life at a recent event where guests were invited to step into the world of those living without sight. The event offered attendees a ‘Dining in the Dark’ experience – an immersive dinner where guests wore eye masks to navigate the meal as someone visually impaired might. The night’s aim was to foster a genuine understanding of the unique challenges and strengths in a world experienced without sight. For Cecilia, an entrepreneur and participant in the event, the experience was eye-opening. “The organisation of events like this is crucial for raising awareness about the experiences of individuals living with sight loss. ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/grmLtoYO5G-mGoXVs3_SM-NYBe01jKsLCp5x9jcyUeM.jpeg) ABOVE & BELOW: Photos show guests in blindfold participate in the ‘Dining in the Dark’. PHOTO: RIZAL FAISAL ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/6AI1bejViK2_mPE-aG6oq-THgIb_iIaAaVJh4hhIDX3.jpeg) PHOTO: RIZAL FAISAL “From my perspective, one of the most profound experiences is observing visually impaired individuals in a dining setting. For many decades, we have taken for granted the simple act of navigating stairs or finding our way to a table,” she reflected. Guided only by their other senses, attendees faced simple but often overlooked tasks, like finding their plates or reaching for a glass of water, with new reverence. Without visual cues, they had to rely on touch and instinct, sparking an appreciation for the resilience, adaptability and strength that those with visual impairments cultivate daily. Gemma Smith, a teacher with 15 years of experience working with partially visually impaired students, found herself unexpectedly humbled by the experience. “My initial feeling was complete sensory overload. There was so much noise around me, and people were trying to talk to me, which made it challenging to focus on enjoying the delicious food being served,” she shared. Without sight, Gemma noted, familiar sounds intensified and the lively bustle around her grew overwhelming, giving her a new perspective on the complexities faced by her students and those living with blindness in busy environments. At the same time, Gemma noticed a change in how she experienced the meal itself. “Interestingly, I found myself appreciating the tactile experience of food more than ever,” she said. “It was a bit frustrating for me not to be able to eat the way I normally would.” Her reflections touched on something important – the role of sight in even the simplest of daily activities. The night’s activities also included other sensory-focused experiences, with workshops on texture and sound that helped deepen participants’ understanding of the ways in which visually impaired individuals interact with the world. For many attendees, ‘Dining in the Dark’ sparked a shift in how they viewed accessibility and inclusion. By stepping briefly into the shoes of someone visually impaired, they gained a deeper understanding of the importance of designing spaces, events, and experiences that welcome and support everyone, regardless of ability. As the evening drew to a close, Gemma reflected on the impact of such moments in bringing communities closer. “Participating in activities like these have provided me with a newfound sense of empathy, helping me appreciate the value of what I have and understand the challenges faced by those who are blind,” she said. “Overall, these events play a significant role in fostering understanding and compassion.” – Rizal Faisal

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