Egyptian Father's Talents Limitless, Despite Visual Disability

Abdallah says losing his eyesight has never limited him. He finds new hope in every morning. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Abdallah Shahat is a 58-year-old blind man living in Shubra El-Kheima, the fourth-largest city in Egypt and part of Greater Cairo. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

His neighbors help to guide him walking whenever they can. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Abdallah also can walk by himself. "I count my steps, and I know about the directions and landmarks, if I go anywhere for only once, I could go back on my own," he says. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Abdallah is known for being an expert in fixing household appliances like barrel washing machines, locally made stoves, ovens and kitchen mixers. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Abdallah can identify any spare part just by touching. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Abdallah communicates with his clients by phone, or he meets them on the street. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Abdallah knows how to get to clients' places on his own, whether by walking or taking public transport. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Sometimes clients give Abdallah a hand while he is working in their homes. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Abdallah is known for being the most honest, reliable, and affordable repairman in his neighborhood and nearby villages. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Children enjoy watching Abdallah while he works. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Most of Abdallah's clients live below the poverty line and cannot pay his fees immediately, which puts an extra burden on his shoulders, but he never says "no." He is always looking forward to the promised money. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Most of Abdallah's clients treat him with compassion, almost as a family member, and sometimes they give him a hand in reaching his next client. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

A retirement salary from Delta Steel Company helps Abdallah pay his bills. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Abdallah invests in spare parts to support his current business. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Abdallah lives with his wife (L), daughter (R), and grandsons. "We share the same space with my other two siblings when they bring their families to visit and spend some days with us," he says. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)