Dialogue in Silence Hong Kong

Dialogue in Silence Hong Kong

Inside Dialogue in the Dark Thailand

The First Dialogue in the Dark took place here in Thailand in September 2008 at the Science Festival, BITEC. The feedback from visitors was very positive, since it provided them mind-opening insight into the world of the visually impaired. This experience uplifted the spirits of those attending, putting a smile on their faces as they left the darkness.  The exhibition enabled the participating public to appreciate the unexpected abilities of the blind and realize the importance of the sense of vision. Also, the work opportunity for the blind as tour guides appears to provide the guides a greater job satisfaction and improved self-worth.  Observing the benefits of the exhibition to the general public and the tour guides alike, our vice president decided to make Dialogue in the Dark a one year exhibition at the Science Square, a branch of our National Science Museum located in the heart of Bangkok.

The construction was very complex and thus took around a year and a half to be completed. I was assigned to take care of the Dialogue in the Dark exhibition just a few months before the guides were recruited and trained.  In early September 2010 we began the recruitment of visually impaired persons by placing an announcement at the Thailand Association of the Blind. We interviewed many enthusiastic and highly energetic candidates, after which we selected 16 candidates. The candidates were quick in developing the required skills in communication and hospitality with their self-confidence visibly improving throughout the training process.  All the guides had their trial tour during September 14-15, 2010. We also trained our sighted volunteers who work at the museum alongside our blind guides to take on the role of lobby staff and facilitators.

We worked very hard during the first period, hoping to achieve the best possible outcome. We had free tours for about 3 weeks starting September 24^th, until our grand opening on October 15^th. After this mostly groups from schools and universities have visited us, in addition to tours by families, tourists, couples, and individuals. The dark has a greater impact on the children and students, as they appear to find it somewhat frightening and yet exciting. As of today, two TV programs have visited the exhibition to make their scoop story about it. The positive publicity has further sparked the interest of the general public bringing us closer to our vision of expanding public knowledge on issues of science and technology and raising peoples awareness for social diversity.

Greetings from Bangkok Thailand

Belle, Manager of Dialogue in the Dark Thailand

2010 – a short review about an exciting year

2010 was certainly one of the most successful years in Dialogue in the Dark’s 20 years history. Apart the fact to celebrate Hamburg‘s 10th and Frankfurt‘s 5th anniversary we ran exhibitions and workshops in 21 countries throughout the year. New sites as Bangkok, Hong Kong or Hyderabad were opened as permanent centers and will certainly generate new interest in the regions. Our plan to “land” in China could be accomplished by running successful workshops in Shanghai and to set the basis for another permanent hub. 2010 was a very busy year and the entire DSE team is proud and happy about the accomplishment. I would like to express my deepest gratitude how privileged I feel to lead such a company. Thank you for all the trust throughout the year. 2011 is starting today. Let’s take off for another exciting journey!