Rehabilitation for The Visually Impaired in Taiwan

The Lifestyle Appreciation Season invites you to explore the world through your senses—taste, hearing, touch, and smell. This season, we accompany our visually impaired friends on a journey to fully savor the subtle beauty of life.

1. Exploring the Aroma: The First Herbal Ball Experience

This was our first time combining meditation and herbal balls in the same class—sounds incredibly therapeutic and relaxing, doesn’t it? The day was truly filled with curiosity and joy.

We began with a warm-up of mindfulness exercises. The teacher guided everyone to move slowly, focusing on their breath and bodily sensations. Some participants whispered, “My shoulders feel so heavy, as if I’ve been carrying bricks all day.”

Next, the afternoon activity was the highlight: DIY herbal ball making. The teacher laid out a table full of herbs, including lemongrass, sedge, and slices of ginger, instantly filling the classroom with their fragrant aroma. Students and volunteers formed small groups to discuss which herbs to choose. Some carefully selected scents, while others joked, “This one smells so unique—just like my personality!”

When the grass-scented massage sticks were used to massage shoulders and necks, a soothing aroma and deep sense of relaxation filled the room. Some participants even set up mini massage stations on the spot, helping volunteers massage each other’s shoulders.

2. Painting from the Heart – Tote Bag Art Session

In the afternoon, the artist guided everyone to paint on bags. The table was filled with paints, brushes, bags, and small tools. For the visually impaired, color is experienced not through sight, but through touch, memory, smell, and verbal description. Some participants preferred to paint directly on the fabric with their fingers; others relied on verbal guidance from volunteers to create their patterns, while some explored the paint with brushes, letting the white color splatter across the bag like snow. When the artworks were completed, it was evident that each piece uniquely reflected the individuality and creativity of its creator.

3. Exercise Without Limits– Group Fitness Classes for the Visually Impaired

This year, we specifically divided our exercise classes into "Beginner" and "Intermediate" levels, allowing each visually impaired participant to choose the class that best suits them. The beginner class focuses on building muscle strength using plastic bottles, while the intermediate class incorporates resistance bands to offer more challenging exercises. Each session progresses from head-and-neck relaxation and warm-ups to home-based muscle training, ultra-slow jogging, and ends with a cool-down wrap-up.

The course also featured several particularly touching stories.

One student, who had participated in our class last year and had been exercising consistently since then, returned this year still full of enthusiasm. His dedication was deeply moving and inspiring for both staff and coaches.

Another student said, "Using resistance bands, my body started to feel warm after just ten minutes!" A completely blind gentleman in his fifties demonstrated remarkable agility, immediately adapting to any changes in the instructor’s directions and completing every movement with a bright smile.

4. Special Course: Synthetic Biology Group Class

This quarter, TDTB organized a special course, the "Synthetic Biology Group Class," in collaboration with the Kang Chiao International School Synthetic Biology Club. Promoting the positive impact of engineering science to the public has always been the the Kang Chiao International School Synthetic Biology Club's mission.

Recent breakthroughs in RPE65 clinical case studies in Taiwan have brought new hope to the visually impaired, inspiring the planning of this special project for the club members. In the light of this, the members explored ways to integrate these scientific concepts with tactile experiences. After continuous discussions and hands-on trials, they ultimately chose a LEGO building blocks activity as the core teaching material, directly engaging participants’ sense of touch. Through assembling the LEGO blocks, visually impaired participants can experience and simulate the logical concepts of genetic engineering firsthand.

5. Learning Without Age Limits – One-on-One Information Class

The first time we met Uncle Chiu, he walked into the classroom leisurely, using his white cane and cheerfully said, “Hi everyone, I’m 70 years old, but I still want to keep learning new things.”

He is the chairman of an NPO dedicated to serving the visually impaired. For many years, he prioritized securing resources for others over his own needs. Now, he has decided to give himself the opportunity to learn.

Uncle Chiu smiled and said, “Although I’m getting older, I want to keep up with the times so I can walk alongside my friends. I don’t want to stop here.”

He enrolled in our one-on-one information class. While the learning content may seem simple, it presents real challenges for many visually impaired people, such as checking bus schedules independently or posting on Facebook to share daily life and feelings.

He diligently attends weekly classes and repeatedly practices the skills. After a few weeks, Uncle Chiu can check bus arrival times on his own and proudly share posts on Facebook. These achievements not only give him greater independence but also bring peace of mind to his family.

Links:

• TDTB's website
• Facebook
• Instagram

This quarter marks our Season of Learning and Exploration. For us, exploration is not about having all the answers — it is about the courage to ask questions, try new things, and step into the unknown. We invite you to keep reading and discover the meaningful breakthroughs achieved by the visually impaired individuals.

1. Listening to Culture - A Journey without Sight

We accompanied a group of visually impaired friends to two iconic cultural landmarks—the National Performing Arts Center and the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall—where they explored miniature models through touch and listened closely to guided narrations. Some participants expressed their amazement: “Wow! Now I finally know what a pipe organ looks like!” and “I had no idea there was so much history inside the CKS Memorial Hall.” One person shared, “Through this activity, I feel like I’ve gotten to know Taiwan all over again.”

Though they have lost their sight, the visually impaired can still connect with history using their other senses—as if, in their own way, they were witnessing the stories of the past. 

2. Accessibility is not an exceptional concept, but a natural part of everyday life. – Web Accessibility Campus Talk

Whether at school, at work, or in daily life, do people with disabilities really only need sympathy or do they need society’s genuine understanding?

This season, we visited multiple campuses across Taiwan, from north to south, including National Taipei University of Education, Hwa Hsia University of Technology, National Formosa University, and Yilan County Shunan Junior High School.

In each session, we not only discussed the questions at the beginning but encouraged meaningful reflection and discussion among students.

One college student shared this powerful insight with us:

“Accessibility is about ensuring everyone has the right to navigate their environment safely and access resources equally. Maybe I can start by showing respect and offering assistance, such as leaving space in the elevator for wheelchair users, helping the visually impaired cross the street, or designing presentations and websites with clear structures and alternative text. Though these may seem like small actions, they can guide our society toward greater kindness and inclusion.”

3. Enhancing Financial Independence – Investment and Financial Management Course for the Visually Impaired

TDTB has long been dedicated to the holistic development of people with visual impairments. Over the past two years, we’ve organized two rounds of investment and financial management courses tailored specifically for the visually impaired—gaining valuable experience in teaching topics ranging from basic bookkeeping to introductory investment concepts.

We understand that while theoretical knowledge is important, the key lies in having the confidence to apply it in daily life. That’s why, with the support of United Way, we’ve expanded and enriched the course content.

The new curriculum breaks down essential financial literacy into ten accessible online modules, complemented by five in-person sessions that focus on real-life application, with immediate guidance and feedback from instructors. To further support participants, we’ve invited industry professionals to share practical insights and help them strengthen their financial management skills. Each participant also receives one-on-one financial consulting to address their individual needs.

Through this program, we aim to equip every participant with a solid foundation in financial literacy, empowering them to independently manage their finances and make informed decisions with confidence.

4. Understanding Through Experience – Blindness Workshop with BNP Paribas Cardif Assurance Vie

With the introduction and support of TechTHY from National Tsing Hua University, TDTB was invited by BNP Paribas Cardif Assurance Vie to organize a “Blindness Experiential Workshop.” The goal was to help corporate partners gain deeper insight into the needs and experiences of people with visual impairments. Finally, to apply this understanding when serving future clients. As such, the workshop focused on two key topics: “Digital Accessibility for the Visually Impaired” and “How to Interact with the Visually Impaired.”

Beyond traditional seminars, the workshop featured an interactive activity that encouraged participants to step into the shoes of the visually impaired and explore the world through their remaining senses. While not all participants completed every task successfully, the hands-on experience allowed them to gain a more meaningful understanding of the challenges faced by the visually impaired and dispel the common stereotypes.

We appreciatethe effortsof socially responsible companies, such as BNP Paribas Cardif Assurance Vie, place great importance on and dedicate resources to social inclusion and accessibility. Their commitment plays a crucial role in advancing awareness, empathy, and positive change for the visually impaired community.

5. Happiness After Suffering - Hong’s One-on-One Information Class

Hong is a junior high school student who initially had low vision. However, over the past few years, his eyesight gradually deteriorated until he became completely blind. To keep up with his studies, he came to TDTB to learn one-on-one information class.

During the first semester of my second year in junior high, I lost a lot of confidence and started giving up on many things. On top of that, my classmates bullied me, which made things even harder. Every day felt really lonely and hopeless. I spent a lot of time in the counseling room after class, and after school, I’d cry quietly by myself because I didn’t want to bother anyone with my feelings. I just told myself to get through one day at a time.

When the next semester came, I met the teachers at TDTB and began my learning journey there. Slowly, I started to feel more confident again. I worked on finishing my homework on time and even started thinking about how I could make my life better and more meaningful. Surprisingly, I realized that being visually impaired isn’t all bad — in some ways, it’s actually a strength.

When I got to Grade 9, I had a new teacher. At first, I was scared he might deny me like my previous teacher did. But he was different — he encouraged us to be united, patient, and responsible. For example, he let me join a fun competition with my classmates. We didn’t win first place, but the experience was unforgettable because no one blamed anyone else. Even better, I reached one of my biggest goals this year — learning Boshiamy before graduation!

I would like to sincerely thank Mr. Tseng for his guidance throughout my learning journey and for helping me retrieve these precious memories.

Links:

• TDTB's website
• TDTB's Facebook
• TDTB's Instagram