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**‘Dining in the Dark,’ brings to light the struggles of the visually impaired** The gift of sight is undeniably one of the most treasured aspects of our human experience. From the vibrant hues of a sunset to the intricate details of a loved one’s face, our eyes serve as a gateway to a myriad of experiences that shape our understanding of life. However, the true magnitude of this privilege becomes apparent when we consider those who navigate the world without this luxury. This thought-provoking scenario was recently presented by the Brunei Darussalam National Association of the Blind (BDNAB) through a ‘Dining in the Dark’ event, a charity dinner to raise funds for the association in conjunction with International Day of Persons with Disabilities. ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/qIIjn7uJFLalBIf67wBe2-ju1PEKENB8AN4aj9V6VlN.jpeg) PHOTO: ENVATO Over a hundred participants voluntarily embraced the unconventional experience of dining blindfolded, relinquishing their reliance on sight. According to BDNAB President Mohammad Hamzi bin Omar the event was curated to offer a distinctive experience to all attendees. Submerged in a world of darkness, the event aimed to raise awareness and illuminate the daily challenges faced by the visually impaired. Dayangku Maznah, one of the guests at the event, shared her reflections on the experience and expressed how it made her contemplate the feelings of visually impaired individuals, recognising that the event only provided a glimpse into the challenges they face. Before the blindfolding, she shared, guests were given instructions on food placement, such as rice in the middle, chicken at 12 o’clock, veggies at six, fish at three, and beef at nine. However, once blindfolded, Dayangku Maznah experienced a moment of anxiety while trying to locate her spoon and fork. ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/D7GqzVpefwsUOORqq2D7c-1Eq1kg1hBAcInKBc0r0PJ.jpeg) Dayangku Maznah participates in the event. PHOTO: JAMES KON Despite thinking she knew where the food was, she faced difficulty reaching for her glass of water, especially after hearing someone knock their glasses on the adjacent table. This first-hand encounter left a lasting impression on her, leading Dayangku Maznah to appreciate BDNAB’s efforts in organising the Dining in the Dark. Meanwhile, Serena approached the event with an open mind, unsure of what to expect. Dining in the Dark, however, significantly heightened her awareness of the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals in their day-to-day activities. “It brought a mindful experience that I have taken for granted and to acknowledge the resilience of folks with a disability.” She expressed her sincere hope for increased awareness, not just for the visually impaired but for all individuals with disabilities, advocating for the creation of a society that is safe and accessible to everyone without discrimination. She described the experience as rich in learning, mindfulness, and personal growth. This sentiment was shared by Syami Kamal who said the event gave him a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of how the visually impaired navigate their daily activities. He added that there remains a crucial need for increased awareness to foster a better understanding of the challenges, capabilities, and the significance of accessibility for individuals with visual impairments. This awareness plays a pivotal role in dispelling stereotypes and misconceptions, ultimately contributing to the creation of a more inclusive society, he continued. ![](https://media.everythingbrunei.com/public/TgTVFRfOIy3Yztbw-bOCc-CVvaucuRHuse9v6aKydah.jpeg) Syahmi Kamal. PHOTO: JAMES KON The impactful nature of the experience led Syahmi to believe that more people should undergo similar encounters to build better support systems for the blind and advocate for increased accessibility. “We should strive to build an environment that is disability-friendly, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, can access and participate in various aspects of life without unnecessary barriers.” The event also included a sharing session by BDNAB members, illuminating the life journey of a blind individual from childhood to motherhood. This gathering marked the first occurrence since the easing of pandemic restrictions, underscoring the significance of regular vision screening.

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