In Hong Kong, when the tempo of traffic-light signals accelerates to about 800 t...
HONG KONG - In Hong Kong, when the tempo of traffic-light signals accelerates to about 800 ticks a minute, visually impaired residents know they can safely cross the road. But over the past six months of unrest, many streets have lost their beat.
While images of black-clad protesters hurling petrol bombs and riot police shooting tear gas have become ubiquitous, the visually impaired hear, rather than see, the unrest that has plunged the former British colony into crisis. “The people in Hong Kong think that as disabled people, we can do nothing to contribute to the betterment of society,” Luk said. “Protesting is a way to express my opinion and to show my ability to others.”
Recalling photos of Hong Kong she saw when she was younger and still had vision, Luk said: “Now the picture itself is not beautiful, but the hearts and minds of the people are very beautiful.”Billy Wong, a 38-year-old visually impaired theology student, also supports the anti-government movement but has found himself increasingly home-bound due to escalating violence.
Dorothy Ngan, one of the group’s five editors, said the 20 volunteer audio describers found it increasingly harrowing to repeatedly watch the violent scenes that have been playing out on Hong Kong’s streets.”Sometimes, I look at the photo and I can’t write. Sometimes, I cry,” Ngan said.
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