Meet Ali Daud, a 59-year-old seasoned traveller with an incredible story. Despite being visually impaired, Ali, who works as a counsellor at British Council, has explored numerous countries, breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes about what's possible for individuals with disabilities. In a recent interview with HHWT, Ali shared his experiences and insights on travelling as a visually impaired person.
Ali's Background as a Visually Impaired Individual
Ali was born with a visual impairment known as retinitis pigmentosa, a condition that affects the optic nerves and gradually reduces one's vision over time. His vision is now limited to just three to five percent. Despite this challenge, Ali has not allowed his condition to hinder his adventurous spirit.
Apart from his counselling work, Ali was also an EXCO member of the Singapore Disability Sports Council for the Asian Para Games 2018, while also founding the non-profit organisation, World Access for Blind Singapore.
Ali's Travel Experiences
Over the years, Ali has visited a diverse range of destinations both with his family and alone, showcasing his determination to explore the world. He has travelled to Los Angeles, San Francisco, various European countries, Australia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. His impressive travel resume highlights his tenacity and thirst for new experiences.
Challenges Faced and Overcoming Them
Travelling as a visually impaired person presents unique challenges, particularly in navigating the logistics of various destinations. Ali shared some of these obstacles, including encounters at immigration checkpoints. One instance in the United States illustrates the difficulties visually impaired travellers may face.
"I can't see the camera," Ali recalls at a U.S. immigration checkpoint. "I was holding my cane and I said, 'I can't see the camera.' But the counter still insisted and they said, 'No, no, I know you're blind, but just look at the camera.'"
Something similar happened in China, where the ground staff were helping Ali collect his luggage. They kept asking him what colour his bag was, even after he mentioned he had no idea as he can’t see colour.
“They asked me to tell them what colour my luggage was. To which I said, ‘I cannot see. I don't know what colour it is, but the luggage tag should tell you which one is my luggage.’ And then they still insisted that I should tell them the colour and then they could search for me.
So in the end, I just said any colour that came into my mind. So I just said green. But then later on when they came back with my luggage, they started scolding me, they said, ‘You know what? This is not green, this is brown.’ And I was like, well how was I supposed to know that?”
Such challenges can be frustrating, but Ali's resilience and patience have helped him overcome many obstacles. This issue was only one of many that he has faced at different immigration checkpoints around the world.
Planning and Preparation
To make his travels as smooth as possible, Ali often relies on his daughter's meticulous planning. They opt for a "free and easy" travel style, and his daughter takes charge of booking accommodations and researching nearby halal food options. This careful planning ensures that Ali and his family can focus on enjoying their trips without worrying about logistics.
Navigating Unfamiliar Destinations
For visually impaired travellers, exploring new destinations without relying on visual cues can be daunting. Ali explains how he and others like him develop a mental map of their surroundings. He compares it to a GPS system based on touch, sound, and memory.
"When you walk to a new place, we will start to memorise the route... It's like a GPS. That's how we travel. In Singapore, especially when you go to work, you take the bus. People always wonder, eh, how do you know when you reach your bus stop you start to stand up and press the bell?
People always think, ‘Maybe you count the bus stop.’ But no, I can’t do that, because sometimes at a certain bus stop, the bus doesn’t stop. There is just something in my mind that helps me memorise the routes and timings easily. So when travelling to a new place, and if we come back to the same place again, for a blind person, they will be able to remember. The route in, the route out.”
He also emphasises the importance of understanding the local language and culture to aid navigation. He mentions how, nowadays, with the help of the Internet, it is easy for travellers to use applications like Google Translate to type and ask questions to locals there, however it is still slightly harder for him.
“In China, I got lost in the MRT, and the station staff tried to help me, but all of them couldn't speak English. So I needed to wait for a passerby to stop and to help translate in English.
Because I was supposed to meet a friend in one of the stations, but I got lost. I went to the wrong station because it's all in Chinese.
If you can see, it's easier because you can show them where you are wanting to go to, but because I can't see I cannot show them anything, so I had to rely on people to help me,” he shared.
Cultural Background and Its Influence
Ali's Muslim faith has played a significant role in his travels. While some may fear a lack of halal food, Ali encourages travellers not to be deterred. He believes that with adequate research, halal options can be found almost anywhere. His experiences in various countries, including Japan and Indonesia, have shown that people are willing to assist with dietary needs if travellers approach them humbly.
On this note, he mentioned that some of the most accommodating destinations he’s been to were ones where “you can speak their language well”. As he does rely mainly on communication on his travels, it is definitely more convenient when he is able to communicate freely with the locals there.
The Joys of Travelling Despite His Visual Impairment
In a world where people often travel to see a new destination and the sights it has, Ali’s journey unfolds differently. While the challenges he faces are apparent, Ali finds immense joy and fulfilment in his travels. What motivates him to keep exploring, and what does he enjoy when he embarks on these remarkable journeys?
Cultural Immersion
Ali thrives on the opportunity to immerse himself in the diverse cultures he encounters. For him, travel is not just about seeing famous landmarks or the views, but also tasting local cuisines, learning about traditions, and connecting with the people. His approach to travel embraces the full sensory experience, expanding beyond the visual realm.
Ali also cherishes the connections he forms with people during his journeys, despite the language barriers. These interactions provide him with invaluable insights and deepen his understanding of the human experience.
Enriching Perspectives
Travelling has exposed Ali to a wide range of social issues around the world. He encountered homelessness in the bustling streets of the United States and experienced the simplicity and beauty of life in the serene landscapes of Thailand.
“Because Hollywood always likes to project America as the best place to be, you know? But it's not so true. When you go to America, you find so many citizens actually living on the streets. In Santa Monica, to Los Angeles, Hollywood. It's really an eye opener, because we can see how fortunate we are. We still have a decent home to stay in. We still have food to eat, so these are things that have really opened up my mind while travelling.”
These experiences have deepened his appreciation for the privileges he enjoys and motivate him to make a positive impact wherever he can.
Recommendations for Visually Impaired Travellers
Ali's advice for visually impaired individuals hesitant to travel is simple: overcome the fear and focus on safety and planning. He encourages travellers to establish reliable contacts in the countries they visit, whether through local embassies or personal connections. This precaution ensures assistance during emergencies.
“All visually impaired people, I think if you ask them, ‘Do you like travelling?’ I'm sure their answer is that they love travelling. They want to travel. But one of the major obstacles that stops them is the fear, together with worries about their safety, if they will need help and more.
So I would say to all these people, no matter how prepared you are, you need to always have a backup when you are travelling. Hold on to a contact number of anyone there, just in case you need them.”
Improving Accessibility
Ali highlights the need for improved accessibility for people with disabilities. He notes that many countries are gradually recognizing the importance of universal design and accessibility.
Japan, in particular, stands out as a leader in providing accessible facilities. Ali predicts that in five years, most of the world will have basic facilities to accommodate travellers with disabilities.
A Message to the Travel Community
Ali's parting message to travellers is to approach new destinations with humility and an open mind. He urges travellers to immerse themselves in the local culture and society, transcending the role of tourists. By understanding, appreciating, and respecting the places they visit, travellers can expect a warm and welcoming reception, making their experiences abroad all the more rewarding.