Jakarta (October 9, 2024) - Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf or often called Gus Ipul had an audience with the Indonesian Blind Aspiration House at the Ministry of Social Affairs office on Wednesday (9/10/024).

In the discussion on the high number of people with visual disabilities who are still illiterate in braille, Gus Ipul appreciated the efforts that Indonesian Blind Aspiration House has taken to improve literacy and empowerment for people with visual disabilities.

“I am proud that there is a spirit to learn, a spirit to progress. Hopefully, this community will grow, and can increase the capacity and independence of its members,” Gus Ipul said with appreciation.

Chairman of the Indonesian Blind Aspiration House and the Indonesian Muslim Blind Association Yogi Madsuni said that one of their priorities was to eradicate Quran illiteracy for people with visual disabilities. He explained that even in the Bogor area, there are still people with visual disabilities who cannot read Braille dots.

Furthermore, Yogi explained that knowledge of this script is needed to support the employment prospects of people with visual disabilities. In addition, it is also necessary to develop human resources in various aspects, such as the ability to adapt to the digitalization era.

“Our effort to face the challenges in accordance with progress is to eradicate braille blindness. It is also necessary to build human resources through digitalization. We need the support of various parties, including the Ministry of Social Affairs,” said Yogi.

President of the Indonesian Blind Aspiration House H. Arief Pribadi also revealed that so far there is still a stigma that views disability as a burden. Therefore, in addition to literacy and empowerment efforts, socialization is also needed so that people with disabilities are given equal opportunities so that they can work.

“Some have worked as employees, mastered IT and others. So people with visual disabilities can work not only as a masseur but also compete in the world of digitalization,” concluded Arief.

During the hearing, the Indonesian Blind Aspiration House also handed over the Yasin Book in braille script to Gus Ipul. The Yasin Book is the work of people with visual disabilities under the Indonesian Blind Aspiration House. In addition, they have also produced a braille Quran.