Creating jobs for blind and visually impaired persons

Sightgigs is a freelancing platform designed by the team at Matamata to help blind and visually impaired persons access remote job opportunities online.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of visually impaired persons globally is estimated to be 285 million, of whom 39 million are blind. (Reference: Global data of visual impairments 2010)

In Malaysia

As of October 2020, the number of visually impaired persons on record is 51,540. Speaking to several blind and visually impaired persons (BVI), we have identified key challenges that the BVI community are facing in the country.

Lack of job opportunities

Employers are less willing to employ BVI because of a lack of understanding of their true capabilities. Job opportunities are focused on massage and reflexology.

Non-accessible websites

Many websites and internet platforms based in Malaysia are non-accessible to the BVI. These include government portals, banking and e-commerce platforms.

Lack of public awareness

There is a severe lack of awareness by the Malaysian public, government and corporate sectors on creating an inclusive environment for the BVI community.

Matamata

Matamata is a for-profit, social-driven enterprise that harnesses technology to help the blind and visually impaired (BVI) community gain independence and inclusivity online. At present, our focus is on building a freelancing website to connect the BVI community in Malaysia to employers and new job opportunities.

Our Mission

We believe that there is no single solution to address these challenges. But, we have a vision of a future where blind and visually impaired persons receive equal opportunities on the web.

With the support of various stakeholders, we at Matamata are focusing on three main approaches.

Create job opportunities

We are currently building an inclusive website at Sightgigs.com to connect the BVI to freelancing opportunities and introduce them to potential employers.

Build assistive technology

Matamata began at a Microsoft hackathon, where we used AI to promote accessibility. In future, we will continue to explore assistive technology for the BVI.

Educate and advocate

We will help BVI focused NGOs in Malaysia spread awareness about the rights to accessibility on the web, as written in Article 9 of the UN (CRPD).

Meet some of our freelancers

We work with highly motivated freelancers from the visually impaired community in Malaysia to connect them to remote job opportunities on the web. Get to know them better in our community stories.

Loh Wei Siong

“I am a practicing corporate lawyer by day and I have the unique achievement of being the first blind lawyer in Sarawak to be admitted to the Bar. I have a curiosity for learning new things. Throughout my journey I have faced many challenges which have built my resilience and determination over the years.”