The CSR@SAVH activity handed me a unique opportunity to meet, interact with some visually-challenged people (and may be – try to understand them). It was enlightening to know how visually challenged people access education, vocational training, and recreational opportunities in their journey towards integration with the larger society. It was nice to know they not only participate but thrive in almost every imaginable vocational field. However, their biggest challenge remains overcoming the perception of blindness held by us, the sighted community.

Halfway through the trip, after a hearty meal, I was in a narrow winding stairwell, and couldn’t see a thing, eyes ‘masked’. The stairs were steep, with turnarounds. Didn’t know how many were there – sometimes two, at times six steps to a landing, their shapes, their width - there’s no way to fathom. My sense of touch and hearing was not supporting my needs (was I getting any echo from the stairwell – nah, couldn’t make out), so I couldn’t rely on them for direction. I was reminded of the biggest blessing in life – TRUST, enabling me to put my deepest feelings and fears in the hand of my partner, knowing that I would be handled with care.

Before that however, upon reaching the campus, we took a plunge into a fascinating world of unparalleled culinary experience shrouded in excitement, mystery and sensation we never experienced before (after suitable briefing). Specially trained personnel served us lunch in total darkness, with all sources of light eliminated, including mobile phones, but without any blindfold. It was a never-before experience of an epicurean activity whereby non-visual senses were stretched. Food was a symphony of flavours, which roused my senses of touch, smell and taste. Textures and subtle aromas, I never knew existed, drew my attention. I regretted judging food primarily with eyes all this time, rather than with my palate.

Knowing and practicing Braille and the little time we spent wearing the spectacles which showed us the various types of blindness was literally an ‘eye-opener’. We learnt about the different types of canes and their use. I took heart from the library and the products on offer showcasing the creativity of the SAVH personnel. I was impressed with the inclusive training and teamwork on display by SAVH members and volunteers.

The contagious enthusiasm and lively-spirit that the volunteers showed us and the childish-exuberance regarding the mascots from the two visually challenged escorts we had, made me wish to delete “I give up” from my vocabulary. I emerged less afraid of blindness than I was before, realising blindness just changes how we do things, but doesn’t stop us from doing them.

It was only a couple of hours we spent at SAVH and there are two things I know for sure: I will never again think of people with visual impairment as helpless, powerless victims of their disability and never again take any of my senses for granted.