Initiative to enable the blind experience photography launched in Kenya
By Alfred Onyango |
The initiative has been designed to offer a unique, accessible and immersive way for everyone, regardless of their visual ability, to experience and enjoy photography.
As the world celebrated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, an inspiring initiative to promote inclusivity and accessibility in photography, especially for the blind, was launched in Kenya.
Dubbed the 'World Unseen Exhibition', the initiative seeks to break the barriers preventing the blind from appreciating traditional visual art forms like photography.
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The initiative has been designed to offer a unique, accessible and immersive way for everyone, regardless of their visual ability, to experience and enjoy photography.
This is by incorporating elevated prints, audio descriptions, soundscapes, and braille, to ensure photography transcends traditional boundaries and becomes an inclusive medium for storytelling and self-expression.
"The World Unseen is an innovative initiative that stresses the commitment to accessibility and inclusivity in the creative arts field. By offering a sensory-rich experience, we aim to change how both sighted and visually impaired individuals engage with photography, making it an immersive and inclusive art form," said Somesh Adukia, managing director of Canon Central and North Africa.
On his part, Jackson Kosgei, a Member of Parliament representing persons with disabilities, shared his heartfelt sentiments, saying it brings him immense joy to be part of this ground-breaking initiative championing inclusivity.
"This exhibition not only empowers individuals with disabilities to explore their creative potential but also sends a powerful message that inclusivity is at the heart of innovation," Kosgei said.
"Let us remember that the disability agenda is not a preserve of a few people, those who are disabled, because disability is a possibility to everyone hence addressing the needs of persons with disabilities is a responsibility for all."
The programme is spearheaded by the global provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions, Canon, in partnership with the Kenya Society for the Blind (KSB) and the Kenya National Library Service.
The exhibition at the Kenya National Library Service runs until December 8, 2024, where everyone, especially those living with disabilities, is encouraged to visit and experience photography in an immersive and inclusive way.
On the launch day, the initiative introduced ground-breaking tactile exhibitions that enabled visually impaired individuals to experience photography through touch, fostering a profound appreciation for the art form.
Through elevated prints, audio descriptions, immersive soundscapes, and braille, visitors are connected to the powerful stories behind the photographs, creating a rich tactile and auditory experience.
According to the World Health Organisation, 2.2 billion people globally have some form of visual impairment, presenting significant barriers to appreciating traditional visual art forms like photography.
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