Having a lack of vision or experiencing vision loss can be a disadvantage because it can affect one’s quality of life, independence, and mobility.
However, despite the challenges, many blind people are able to rise to the occasion and lead ordinary, if not extraordinary lives.
For example, this young Malaysian girl from Ranau, Sabah who recently went viral on TikTok for her bright personality and ability to be independent despite being blind.
Rinja, fondly known as Inja by those in the comments section, was a premature baby born at 27 weeks and with a condition called Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP).
As she has Stage 5 ROP that causes total retina detachment, the five year old girl grew up blind. Although, Inja does have some light perception.
In the video, Inja was asked by her mom to take a blanket from her aunt’s room in the house. Then, her mother recorded how Inja “gets around the house”.
Once asked, Inja did not hesitate to start. She immediately opened the door to the living room, then headed straight for another door leading to her aunt’s room.
Then she climbed onto the bed, crawled and rolled around for a bit to look for the blanket. Once she got it, she passed it to her mom and proceeded to close the room’s door.
“She’s already memorised the arrangement of the furniture in the house. If it’s changed, she won’t know so we have to tell her,” said Inja’s mom. She adds that Inja learned to recognise things through touch and smell.
Many netizens praised the little girl for her cheerfulness and independence besides wishing her well in life.
“Mummy’s child is smart and pretty.”
“May you always be healthy and live long.”
Playing the piano by ear
Besides being able to navigate through the house independently, Inja can also play some tunes on the piano!
According to Inja’s mother, Inja plays the piano by ear and is completely self-taught.
Here, she is playing a Hari Raya song and in the other clip below, she’s singing while playing the Happy Birthday song for her father.
@gentiruk10 #growingupblind #MiracleRinja #ropstage5 #specialneedschildren #5years
♬ original sound – TerRymelda GentiRuk LaMiri – TerRymelda GentiRuk LaMiri
@gentiruk10 #miraclerinja #ropstage5 #growingupblind #specialneeds
♬ original sound – TerRymelda GentiRuk LaMiri – TerRymelda GentiRuk LaMiri
Watch the full video below:
@gentiruk10 #MiracleRinja #growingupblind #ropstage5
♬ original sound – TerRymelda GentiRuk LaMiri – TerRymelda GentiRuk LaMiri
Such a clever little girl!
Also read: This Adorable Grandfather-Granddaughter Duo From Kedah Will Bring Happy Tears To Your Eyes