United Nation's International Day of Disabled Persons (IDDP) on Sunday, Dec 3, provides a platform to promote understanding and to increase awareness of disability issues, and to rally support for the independence, equal rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.

With sound education, which should in essence be no different for that of any other person, the disabled can and should be integrated into all aspects of life.

To achieve a thorough education, the blind need special computer screens and other software and specialised computer hardware. There are many screen readers on the market in Malaysia and a popular one is called Jaws. All, though, are very expensive programmes with prices starting from about RM3,500, a sum which is far beyond the reach of all but a fortunate few.

Without a screen reader programme, the blind are unable to use a computer. Braille translator software, which provides translation and formatting facilities to automate the process of conversion from regular print to Braille (and vice-versa), is also a vital asset for the blind but this type of software, too, is also very expensive.

A useful piece of computer hardware is a refreshable Braille display which provides Braille output from a computer, but these displays cost RM20,000 upwards. The blind Malaysian is unable to buy and use them.

The blind in Malaysia must be given opportunities to do more than make baskets, give massages, and beg for money by playing music, or selling tissues, by the roadside.

As the world celebrates the International Day of the Disabled, let every Malaysian help to open up opportunities for the disabled so that they can be integrated fully and be able to go to work, raise a family and be happy and contented citizens.

The writer is president, Support Group Society for the Blind of Malaysia.