AT 3.75 MILLION, blind and visually impaired people account for roughly 1.5% of Indonesia’s total population— three out of 200. In developing countries like Indonesia, the disabled face more challenges than those in developed ones. The Mitra Netra Foundation, an NGO that provides support for blind Indonesians, has been embracing technology to address the challenges. And now, working with IBM Indonesia, Mitra Netra aims to provide greater accessibility to books and reading materials for the blind through the Internet, computer, tablet and smartphones, opening up a window to the world for the blind.

“As it is located at the equator, Indonesia’s exposure to ultraviolet rays is very high. Many farmers and fishermen don’t know how to protect their eyes, resulting in blindness. Other factors that contribute to blindness are poverty, malnutrition and lifestyle. The WHO says 80% of blindness can be prevented if addressed in time and with the right care, like cataracts. However 20% cannot be prevented and all these people have special needs that need to be fulfilled, including the need to read books,” says Aria Indrawati, the public relations manager for Mitra Netra and chairwoman of the Indonesian Blind Association (Pertuni). Aria herself has had low vision since birth.