The Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB) is aiming to make history with its first-ever typing contest for the blind - Black Screen Typist Competition - in a bid to enter the Malaysia Book of Records.
The event will take place on Saturday (July 5) at 8.30am at MAB in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur.So far, 23 visually impaired participants have signed up, and MAB is calling for more to join. Up to RM3,600 in cash prizes are up for grabs.
MAB's information and communications technology (ICT) senior executive Haffiyan Lali, 35, who is blind himself, says the competition seeks to challenge misconceptions about the blind in today's digital age.
"Many people are still unaware that visually impaired individuals can be just as productive as everyone else, provided they are given the right equipment and environment.
"We hope the competition highlights the importance of digital accessibility. We also want to show the public that the blind are just as capable and deserving of equal opportunities. The visually impaired can be just as productive as anyone else," says Haffiyan in an email interview from Kuala Lumpur.
The contest will be held in two categories: Bahasa Malaysia and English.
It is open to any visually impaired Malaysian with an OKU (Orang Kurang Upaya) card.
Participants must be familiar with using a computer that runs on the Windows operating system, including navigating file explorer and working with Microsoft Word. They should also be proficient in using screen reader softwares for the blind, such as Non-Visual Desktop Access (NVDA) or Job Access With Speech (JAWS). Candidates must possess at least intermediate-level keyboarding skills.
During the competition, blindfolded participants must use the NVDA and are required to type along to a pre-recorded audio. They will be scored based on speed and accuracy.
Winners in both language categories will receive RM1,000 (first prize), RM500 (second) and RM300 (third).
Beyond the prizes, Haffiyan hopes participants will walk away with a sense of empowerment and confidence.
"For many, this may be their first time showcasing their digital skills in a public setting, and we want them to feel proud of their abilities. We also hope they gain a deeper sense of community, knowing they are not alone, and that there are others like them pushing boundaries and breaking stereotypes.
"This competition is also a chance for participants to build self-belief, develop soft skills like focus and resilience, and inspire them to keep pursuing opportunities in education, employment and beyond. We want them to know that their skills matter, their voices are heard, and their contributions are valuable."
Through the competition, Haffiyan also hopes the public will realise that life without sight doesn't mean life without capability.
"Blind and visually impaired individuals are just as intelligent, skilled and productive as anyone else, especially when accessibility is prioritised. We want to challenge the common misconceptions about blindness and show that with the right tools and inclusive environments, the blind community can thrive, contribute meaningfully, and even outperform expectations in areas many assume are beyond their reach.
"Ultimately, this is about shifting perspectives, from seeing disability as a limitation to understanding it as a part of human diversity that deserves equal opportunity and support."
To register, click on https://forms.gle/YFmJnfdRdc7HHwgt6 or call 03-2272 2677 (ext 143).
Supporting Malaysia's blind community
'We also want to show the public that the blind are just as capable and deserving of equal opportunities,' says Haffiyan. Photo: Haffiyan Lali
The Black Screen Typist competition aims to showcase how the blind can thrive in the digital world with the right support and technology. Photos: 123rf
When the blind are empowered to succeed, it promotes inclusion and breaks down stereotypes.
Photo: 123rf
