Digital Literacy for the Visually Impaired

Undeniably, Indonesian society is, well, quite prone to fads. For instance, if a topic is trending on social media, everyone will join in discussing it. Let me give a positive example: literacy. In recent years, the topic of literacy has gone viral everywhere. Not just on social media or in communities, even on campuses, there's still reading before lectures begin. However, our understanding of literacy is still limited to an archaic perception. Many people still understand literacy as the act of reading thick physical books. What about the visually impaired? Are books read aloud to them? And who would do the reading then? Digital literacy emerges as a viable solution. With screen readers on computers, laptops, and smartphones, visual impairment can no longer be an excuse for the visually impaired to shy away from government-initiated literacy programs. With current technological advancements, the visually impaired can contribute to literacy programs because, with internet access, access to digital books becomes limitless. In the world of education, for example, if the materials provided are already in e-book format, then the learning process for the visually impaired in universities or regular schools will be 80% easier. Therefore, it is time for us to realize an inclusive Indonesia with independent visually impaired individuals through digital literacy. "I believe that the internet is the future for people with disabilities. Therefore, I am participating in the #12KartunetBerkarya Essay Writing Competition. Come join and participate to win the latest Android Smartphone, and look forward to the Internet Marketing Online Course (I'M BRAVE) which will soon be held by Kartunet in collaboration with PermataBank CSR."