Rehabilitation for The Visually Impaired in Taiwan

Background Information

Just like what most people say history is a priceless treasure to one’s country. Taipei city has established 130 years of long history. It is known for its eminent ancient relics. People that live in Taipei are free to enjoy the lovely historical sites that were kept for them. However, for visually impaired people this was not something easy. Usually, visually impaired people don’t have a lot of chances to travel around. Not to mention how difficult it is for them to visit ancient monuments. With the support of the Government and donors, we hope to obtain opportunities for our visually impaired friends to contact with the amazing historic architectures in Taipei. Therefore, beginning from 2014 to 2016, the Taiwan Digital Talking Book Association (TDTB) has successfully carried out three accessible trips. Not only would this soothe up both the body and mind, but also enrich visually impaired people’s life. The trips include, going by order, the WanHua district, visiting the Qingshan Temple, Longshan Temple, Tianhou Temple, and the Ximen Red House. Then, moving on to the ZhongZheng district, visiting the Presidential Office Building, Taipei Guest House, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei Zhongshan Hall, Taipei Post Office, and National Taiwan Museum. Finally, the ZhongShan district, visiting the Taipei Brewery, Former American Consulate, Zhongshan Presbyterian Church, and Taipei Story House.

Summary—Plan Out

Due to the great success towards the three previous trips, TDTB has planned out a fourth trip. Starting on April 2016 and till the end of June 2016, we have already arranged three trips to visit beautiful historic sites in the DaTong district. This would eventually let our visually impaired friends understand better about the value within the historical sites and the beauty of art. The most unique part of this activity is that it synthesizes adept knowledge towards historical culture, the adoption of voice guidance, and creating fascinating interaction. Therefore, we made preparations beforehand. To begin, we recorded DAISY digital books focusing on Taipei’s historical monuments, culture, and sites, which we would hand out to all of the members going on the trips. This would in depth their knowledge towards this topic. For the voice guidance, we invited prominent tour guides to join our trip. Then, with the help of our volunteers, we guide visually impaired people touch and feel the ancient architectures. This would generate an interaction within people and historical constructions. We hope to create a memorable impression for our visually impaired friends.

Our Goals

-Improve the chance for visually impaired people to contact with the historical architectures

-Understand the value within the historical sites and the beauty of art

-Leaving their houses and to travel around

-Soothe up both body and mind, increasing health

-Enrich visually impaired people’s life and spirit

-Creating a memorable impression

Schedule

April

Former Taipei City Hall Building (Museum of Contemporary Art Taipei), Dadaocheng Traffic Circle Air Defense Reservoir, and The Chen Family Ancestral Hall

May

LiChunSheng Memorial Church, ZhuangXieFa shop, Taipei Xia-Hai City God Temple, and Lee Lin-chiu House

June

Taipei Confucius Temple, Dalongdong Bao-an Temple, and The Forty Four Kan Street

Extra information

-The trip goes from 13:30~16:30

-Open to maximum 20 visually impaired members

-Assisting with 20 volunteers, tour guide, and 2 employees

-Everyone on the trip is required to have travel safety insurance

-Collecting a reflection written by the everyone that attended the trip

Links:

• HP of TDTB