ShareKUWAIT: In an increasingly visual world, where humans solely rely on sight to experience the beauty of it, it’s hard to imagine how someone can still enjoy life without seeing it. Under the roof of Kuwait Blind Association, more than 1,000 members are registered with different passions, talents and stories, who lead their lives as normally as any sighted person.
“Since we are all blind here, we can strongly relate to each other, as we share common worries, hopes and realities,” said Fahad Al-Enezi, Head of Public Relations at Kuwait Blind Association. Early in his childhood, Enezi realized there was something different about him from other kids, as he wondered why he was the only one among them facing trouble walking and tripping over objects. That’s when he asked his parents and was told he has had a visual impairment since birth. Ever since, he’s been advised to learn to memorize places and count his steps.
Through focusing on his imagination and using all his other senses, he could easily navigate his world and connect with his surroundings. For instance, he mentioned that just by listening to the sound of waves and immersing his body into the layers of water, he can easily craft a scenery in his mind of how the blue sea looks like. Even while sleeping, he relies on sounds to construct his dreams, unlike sighted people who see actual visual images in their dreams.
This doesn’t align with people’s misconceptions that blind people have a stronger sense of hearing than others — it’s just that they are more focused on using this sense to perceive the world, Enezi noted. “I am grateful that losing sight didn’t affect me in any negative way. I see life as a very beautiful place, and I feel very optimistic about it,” said Shamayel Al-Mulla, member of Kuwait Blind Association.
Until the age of four, Mulla could normally see lights and colors. But with the Iraqi invasion in Kuwait and the spread of toxic gases and air pollution, she started losing her eyesight gradually. “They discovered that I cannot see in grade two, when I stopped seeing the blackboard at school. I kept asking them to either get the board closer to me or bring me eyeglasses,” she recalled.
At first, it was difficult for Mulla and her family to cope with this unexpected situation. But by time, it didn’t stop her from leading the life she wanted. “I am now even better than sighted people. I have reached faraway places, finished school and university, and then became a professional runner and archer. I am still waiting to achieve more and more,” Mulla said.
In her daily life, she handles all her tasks completely independently, yet she doesn’t mind asking for help or guidance whenever she needs it. For instance, when visiting an exhibition, she casually asks anyone around her to describe the paintings for her. “Sometimes I tell someone, ‘I don’t see dear, please hand me things to feel them’.” Usually people feel awkward or uncomfortable, but she’s used to this, as her blindness has become part of her identity. “I am blind. This is who I am. If you want to accept me for who I am, then this is me,” Mulla said confidently.
“Don’t let any disability stand as an obstacle in your way,” said Hassan Bohan, a member of Kuwait Blind Association. Bohan was partially blind from birth, but over the years, his disability got worse. As an athlete, he first lacked self-confidence, as he doubted his potential and abilities. But by time, he proved how he was able to overcome any challenges, as he thrived and won multiple championships in China, Italy and Jordan, where he competed in goalball and running games.
Bohan still has a lot to prove to the world, and a lot more people he aims to inspire. “I wasn’t sure if a blind person can make achievements or not. But with persistence and determination, I became sure that there’s nothing that can ever stop me from reaching my goals,” said Bohan.
Enezi said about Kuwait Blind Association: “We are living a completely normal life here, everything from friendships to entertainment to cooperation exists.” He noted how this place provides a chance for everyone to develop their skills and follow their passion in different fields, such as education, culture, sports and recreation. The organization’s main purpose is to fulfill the needs of blind by making them feel as an integral part of the society, he asserted.
