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What goes through your mind when you encounter someone with visual impairment? Do you go out of the way to avoid them? Do you awkwardly stare? Do you wonder to yourself whether it is rude to call them “blind”?
Together with Teacher Abi, Mithran (5 years old) from Little Olive Tree (Ang Mo Kio) produced a short video about his abilities and what he is able to do in spite of his visual impairment. He explained clearly the condition he was born with and how with greater understanding and care from his peers, he is able to learn well in school.
Mithran may not be able to perceive the world the way most of us do, but through his sharing, he helped us see how we can make our world more inclusive.
Video Transcript
Hi everyone, my name is Mithran. This is my twin sister Mounika. Mounika and I were in mommy's tummy together. When we were born, the doctors realized I have visual impairment. Visual impairment is a very big word. It means that...
I cannot see the same way most of you can. Some people with visual impairment cannot see anything at all. Some people can see a little bit. For me, I can tell when it is dark or bright. Sometimes I can see shadows.
But I cannot see colours. I cannot see the faces of my friends. I cannot see tables and chairs around me. I cannot see animals, trees and vehicles. I cannot see when people wave at me. That's why it's important for you to use your words instead of actions or gestures. Otherwise, I won't even know you're trying to communicate with me.
Even though I cannot see the same way that most of you can, it does not mean that I cannot think or learn. I learn differently and that's okay. I learn by hearing with my ears, by smelling with my nose, by talking with my mouth, and tasting with my tongue. I also learn by touching and feeling everything around me.
God made us all different and special. Some of us are short, some of us are tall. Some of us have brown skin, some of us have beige skin. Some of us have short hair. Some of us have long hair. Some of us can't see. Some of us cannot see.
Remember everyone, God made us all different and special.
Even though I cannot see, I can do many things by myself. I can eat by myself. I can wash hands by myself. I can play the drums by myself. Sometimes I need a little help from my friends and teachers. But that's okay. We all need help from friends and teachers at times. I feel happy when my friends help me. They are so kind.
I want everyone to close their eyes now. Are you closing your eyes? Now listen.
[recording of background noise in school with children talking over one another]
This is what school sounds like when you are all loud and noisy.
It is so difficult for me to focus and listen to what my teacher is saying. Please everyone, let's use volume 1 and volume 2 in the school. We cannot use volume 10! It is too loud!
Volume 1 means we need to whisper. Let's all practice saying the silly word SLURPADOODLE at volume 1. Ready? SLURPADOODLE. Now...
Let's all practice singing SLURPADOODLE at Volume 2. Ready? SLURPADOODLE!
Awesome everyone! I hope you have all learned something from me today. Thank you everyone!
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