Dialogue in the Dark is an experience like no other. In just 45 minutes, we get to learn how it feels like to live in this world without the gift of sight.
After losing his sight to glaucoma in 2007, Stevens Chan found his calling in raising awareness towards the importance of taking care of our eyes. Compared to those who have lost their sight since young, Mr Stevens was living the sighted life for 45 years before the world as he knows it comes to an end. Talking to him, we can’t help feeling amazed in his strength to accept his condition and continue living a normal life, which led to the birth of Dialogue in the Dark Malaysia.
The simple concept of having normal sighted individuals being lead by a blind guide into a specially constructed dark room that simulates a typical every day environments such as a cafe or a park is truly impactful.
Not knowing what to expect, we began our dark tour with each of us equipped with a cane given by our professional blind guide named Anis. The moment we lost the ability to see, immediately we felt the sense of helplessness and how much trust we placed on listening to the voice of Anis to guide us.
Totally blinded with darkness, our other senses starts to kick in. Among the things we noticed was how quiet our group were during the tour. The usual chatty and talkative bunch was relatively silent as we were doing more listening, relying on our sense of hearing and touch to maneuver our way through.
A rush of emotions took place all at once but the main thing we remembered feeling was how scary the real world could be in total darkness.
During the tour we also had a chance to sit down and have a cup of tea with our guide. In total darkness, we were given the opportunity to have an honest conversation with Anis about her life as a blind . A Dialogue in the Dark.
The tour was truly effective in its objective to make us appreciate our eyesight and not taking it for granted. An experience we recommend to all.
Website Address – www.did.my
Dialogue in the Dark Experiential Centre:
Level 11, West Wing Sunway University
No. 5A Jalan University, Bandar Sunway
47500 Petaling Jaya
Phone: +6016 3447661
opening hours:
Monday – Sat
Time: 10 am – 6 pm
(Last admission at 5.00 pm)
Closed on Sunday