Thiwanka Ranabahu, who achieved first place in the 2022 Advanced Level examinations for the Kandy district, is now pursuing his studies at Colombo’s prestigious law faculty. His inspiring journey from sudden blindness at the age of 15 to academic excellence exemplifies remarkable perseverance. Despite facing significant challenges, Thiwanka’s success was bolstered by the support of dedicated teachers and adaptive educational strategies. Featured in a program conducted by Hari TV and Lahiru Mudalige, his story highlights the critical need for consistent support and greater inclusivity for blind individuals, demonstrating both his personal resilience and the broader imperative for systemic change.
What were the main challenges you faced after losing your vision, and how did you manage to overcome them?
Losing my vision suddenly in 2018 was a life-altering event that presented numerous challenges. Initially, I faced severe emotional and psychological distress. The abrupt loss of sight led to a profound mental health crisis, including severe depression and suicidal thoughts. The physical challenges were also significant; I struggled with mobility and required assistance for daily activities. My teachers at my mother’s school played a crucial role during this period. They provided not only academic support but also emotional encouragement. Their dedication helped me navigate these challenges, from adapting to a new way of living to continuing my education. Their support was instrumental in helping me complete my Ordinary Levels despite not being able to attend school regularly for a significant period.
How did your visual impairment affect your educational journey, and what resources or methods did you use to complete your studies?
My visual impairment had a substantial impact on my educational journey. After losing my vision, I was unable to attend school regularly due to ongoing medical treatments, which resulted in missing out on a large portion of my education. During the final year of my studies, I was confined to home for five months and participated in only two term tests. To overcome these barriers, I utilized several specialized resources and methods. The education and examinations departments provided substantial support, including the use of vocal methods for exams, where teachers read my exam papers aloud, recorded my responses, and transcribed them. I also learned braille for a brief period, which aided in writing but remained a challenge for reading. Additionally, I used audio formats for study materials. This combination of resources and support allowed me to complete my studies successfully.
What facilities and support systems are available at your university for blind students, and how do they compare with other institutions?
At the University of Colombo, where I am studying law, there are several facilities designed to support blind students. These include vocal-based exam methods, where exam papers are read aloud, and my answers are recorded and transcribed. This support system helps accommodate the needs of blind students effectively. However, the level of support can vary significantly between institutions. While government universities generally strive to provide necessary facilities, some may not offer the same extent of support. For example, not all universities have vocal-based exam facilities or comprehensive braille resources. This variation can create challenges for students who are accustomed to specific support methods. Ensuring a uniform level of support across all educational institutions would help provide equal opportunities for blind students.
What improvements do you think are needed in the educational system to better support blind students?
To better support blind students, several improvements are needed in the educational system. First, there should be a broader and more consistent availability of audio books and other study materials tailored for higher education. This would enable blind students to access learning resources more independently and effectively. Second, there needs to be a standardized approach to providing vocal methods and braille resources across all educational institutions. This ensures that all students receive consistent support regardless of their location. Third, training for educators on how to support blind students effectively is crucial. This training should cover best practices for using assistive technologies, providing accessible materials, and creating an inclusive learning environment. Additionally, schools should establish dedicated support teams to address the specific needs of blind students.
How do societal attitudes and accessibility issues affect blind individuals, and what changes would improve their daily lives?
Societal attitudes and accessibility issues significantly impact the daily lives of blind individuals. Often, societal attitudes include pity rather than genuine understanding and respect. This can lead to emotional distress and feelings of isolation, as blind individuals may experience negative reactions or condescension from others. Accessibility issues also pose major challenges; for example, the lack of special lanes, tactile paving, and audible signals at traffic lights can create safety hazards and limit mobility. To improve daily life, there needs to be a focus on enhancing infrastructure and fostering greater societal awareness. Implementing features like tactile paving and special pedestrian lanes can improve safety and accessibility. Additionally, public awareness campaigns can help change societal attitudes, promoting a more inclusive and respectful environment for blind individuals.
What policy changes would you recommend to better support blind individuals in areas like education, employment, and voting?
Several policy changes could greatly enhance support for blind individuals across various areas. In education, policies should include better integration of braille and other accessible formats into the electoral process. For example, providing braille ballots or instructions at polling stations would enable blind voters to participate independently and with confidence. In terms of employment, especially in fields such as law and ICT, policies should focus on providing specialized tools and accommodations to support blind professionals. This could include resources for reading and presenting evidence in the legal field and accessible ICT training. Furthermore, enhancing ICT education with tools and resources designed for blind individuals would help them excel in technology-related fields. Establishing dedicated committees that include disabled individuals and organizations can help ensure that policies are tailored to address their specific needs and create more inclusive opportunities.
These expanded questions and answers provide a comprehensive overview of the major topics discussed in the interview, offering detailed insights into the challenges, resources, and recommendations related to supporting blind individuals.
November 21, 2024
