Organization
Malaysian Association for the Blind(MAB)
Malaysia's oldest and largest organisation serving visually impaired people, established in 1951 in Kuala Lumpur. MAB provides rehabilitation, Braille publishing, vocational training, an IT centre, and a talking-book library, empowering blind and partially sighted Malaysians toward independence and social integration. It is headquartered in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur.
About
The Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB) was established on 21 November 1951, making it the oldest disability organisation in Malaysia. It was founded on the initiative of Major D.R. Bridges, a British officer blinded in the Burma campaign who was subsequently appointed as a welfare officer for the blind in colonial Malaya. Headquartered at Kompleks MAB in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, MAB has operated continuously for over seven decades, evolving from a welfare-focused body into a rights-oriented organisation promoting independence and inclusion.
What They Do
MAB delivers a comprehensive suite of services including rehabilitation programmes for newly blinded adults, the Gurney Training Centre, a Braille Library and Publishing Unit, an Information Technology Centre, vocational training and placement services, and one of Malaysia's most extensive talking-book libraries. MAB also provides sports and recreational programmes and advocates with government on accessible environments, digital accessibility, and accessible public transport.
Who They Serve
MAB serves blind and partially sighted Malaysians of all ages and backgrounds, from children receiving early educational support to older adults undergoing rehabilitation after acquired sight loss. Its services are open to all nationalities resident in Malaysia. The association also engages families of visually impaired people and professionals in rehabilitation and special education.
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