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Muhammad Amir Firdaus bin Awang is 25 years old and has been partially blind since birth. He works as a Braille author at the Braille Publishing Unit of MAB, where printed textbooks are transformed into Braille, giving blind kids and students across Malaysia access to education.
Went blind at just three months old
When Amir was just three months old, doctors told his family that he was born partially blind, which was caused by his mother’s diabetes. As such, Amir could only see basic colours and shapes.
During his early school years, Amir studied at a special education school alongside other blind students. Later, he was transferred to a school where he learned alongside hearing-impaired students.
“Our form of communication was through hand signs. We had to hold their hands to understand the signals. Since I can partially see, I could follow what they were saying,” he said.
Growing up in a supportive family
Amir is the youngest of 11 siblings and the only one who is visually impaired. Despite being the “odd” one out due to his disability, his family never treated him differently.
“My parents and siblings always took good care of me. My sisters, mum, and dad were always there to support me from the start of my life.
“As a child, I often questioned my condition and would ask my mother: ‘Why can’t I run like my brothers? Why can’t I run like other people?’ But all she told me was, ‘God loves you more. This is your test.’ So, I accepted it.”
Like many young adults, Amir has several hobbies such as reading, listening to music, and watching movies.
“People often ask how I watch movies, but because I’m partially blind, I can still see shadows and movements, and that allows me to enjoy movies like everyone else. To watch on my phone, I bring it close to my eyes to watch the movie,” he explained.
Learning to be independent
During primary school, teachers and friends often guided Amir whenever he was walking. But he refused to rely on others forever and began attempting to walk and live his life entirely on his own.
“I leave home at 7am and walk to the LRT station from my house. Upon reaching the station after seven to eight minutes, I cross the road at the traffic light before taking the LRT train to work.
“Many passersby have stepped in to help whenever I take the LRT or monorail, as well as staff members. I’m truly grateful for that.
“But not everyone understands. Sometimes when I ask for directions, people ignore me. They think blind people only approach others to ask for sympathy. Sadly, that mindset still exists.”
Hopes for his future as a Braille publisher
Amir, who started learning Braille at the age of seven, today works as a publisher who produces Braille materials for others like him.
“I feel happy with what my friends and I do. We produce Braille books so blind students can read and not be left behind, especially in school.”
When asked what his greatest wish was, Amir said he hopes Malaysians will take the time to understand the lives and challenges of people with visual impairments.
“If there are more programmes that include people like us, others can also learn how blind people live.”
For now, Amir continues doing what he does best, that is creating knowledge one Braille page at a time so others like him will never be left behind.
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