According to statistics from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan's visually impaired population has surpassed 50,000, with 90% experiencing “acquired blindness.” Compared to those born with visual impairments, persons who lose their sight later in life often face the sudden impact of disability, family pressures, and challenges to self-identity within a short timeframe, requiring significant readjustment to daily life. Experts indicated that without timely rehabilitation services and resource support, persons who lose their sight often become isolated, face unemployment, or even experience psychological distress. Therefore, “life rehabilitation” is crucial for their successful reintegration into society.
Jou-Yi with visual impairment (left) receives services at Le-Ming Development Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, New Taipei City.
Ms. Jou-Yi Tu, 27-year-old, lost her sight two years ago due to retinal detachment caused by hereditary diabetes. At the time, her father was undergoing cancer treatment. Within just a few months, she had to adapt to life with total blindness while shouldering the burden of caring for her family. She recalls waiting at home for hospital surgery notifications, to buy food for her equally blind mother and herself, she borrowed her mother's white cane and ventured out. Guided by memory, she navigated step by step. Fortunately, acquaintances along the way alerted her to obstacles, directed her path, and even contacted the neighborhood chief. This support made her feel profoundly grateful and no longer utterly alone.
Later, during her hospitalization and surgery, when Jou-Yi felt most helpless, she suddenly recalled that her mother had previously received services from Eden Foundation's Le-Ming Development Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, New Taipei City. Grasping at this lifeline, she immediately called for help. With the social worker's assistance, Eden accompanied her every step—from needing care during hospitalization to adapting to life after discharge. Regarding orientation and mobility training, Jou-Yi shared, “Learning orientation made me feel like I was regaining control of my life!” She later took courses on using a rice cooker and a smartphone for the visually impaired, marveling at how technology could simplify daily life.
After receiving orientation training at Eden, Jou-Yi with visual impairment regained a sense of control over her life.
Recalling the first time she cooked a meal herself, Jou-Yi happily shared, “I never knew cooking could be so easy without sight!” This sense of accomplishment filled her with confidence for the future. Today, Jou-Yi actively participates in massage therapy training, hoping to ease her family's financial burden through work. She also plans to learn piano, baking, and coffee brewing, striving toward becoming a “multi-talented visually impaired young adult.” She optimistically states, “Even though I can't see, there are still countless ways to experience the world's beauty.”
Blindness is not the end of life, but the beginning of another journey. Since its establishment, Eden Foundation's Le-Ming Development Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired in New Taipei City has served over 4,000 persons with visual impairment, offering orientation and mobility training, life skills development, psychological support, and senior health promotion services. These programs help those who have lost their sight navigate uncertainty and rebuild independence. We hope the public will offer greater understanding and support, enabling persons with visual impairment to step out of darkness and embrace a bright future through companionship and diverse services.
Jou-Yi with visual impairment (right) actively participates in massage therapy vocational training courses, filled with confidence for her future life.
