Unique photo exhibition and training targets visually impaired

Left: Nominated MP Bishop. Jackson Kosgei(sited) who represents Persons With Disabilities and Special Interest Groups at the National Assembly,Kenya Society for The Blind Sammy Waweru chief executive officer and Somesh Adukia, managing director, Canon Central and North Africa during the launch of World Unseen and being shown how the photography exhibition works at Kenya National Library Services(KNLS) in Upper Hill, Nairobi on Tuesday.[James Wanzala,Standard]

The camera manufacturing firm Canon, in partnership with the Kenya Society for the Blind (KSB) and the Kenya National Library Services (KNLS), has launched a week-long photo exhibition and photography training project dubbed World Unseen.

The exhibition coincides with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, and runs from 3 to 8 December 2024 at the KNLS headquarters in Upper Hill, Nairobi.

Somesh Adukia, Managing Director of Canon Central and North Africa, noted that Kenya is the second African country to host the project, following its launch in Morocco in May.

“The project is part of an innovative initiative designed to promote inclusivity and accessibility in photography, reaffirming Canon’s commitment to empowering individuals of all abilities,” said Adukia.

The photographs are printed using advanced technology, including PRISMA elevate XL processing software and the Arizona flatbed printer.

These tools produce large-format prints with texture, elevation, and Braille text, enabling individuals with low or no vision to experience the images through touch.

“Through multi-sensory experiences such as elevated prints, audio descriptions, soundscapes, and Braille, the exhibition aims to break traditional barriers, allowing both visually impaired and sighted participants to engage with the power of photography,” Adukia added.

According to World Health Organisation (WHO) data, 2.2 billion people globally face some form of visual impairment. In Kenya, approximately 224,000 people are blind, while 750,000 are visually impaired.

The World Unseen campaign challenges these barriers by making photography accessible to all.

Training Programme

The project’s first cohort comprises 15 trainees with visual impairments who will be trained in photography skills to help them earn a livelihood.

Nominated MP Jackson Kosgei, the chief guest, commended Canon for the initiative.

“By launching this project and exhibition, Canon is demonstrating innovation and inclusivity in its operations globally. Thinking of people with disabilities and including them in such initiatives is highly commendable,” said Kosgei, who represents Persons with Disabilities and Special Interest Groups in the National Assembly.

Kosgei also highlighted ongoing legislative efforts to make Kenya’s laws more inclusive.

“We are amending laws to reflect today’s realities and to recognise other disabilities like autism and dyslexia. We aim to have these laws enacted by 2025,” he stated.

KNLS Director General Charles Ngui Nzivo expressed gratitude to Canon for choosing KNLS as the launch venue, pledging full support for the initiative.

Rich history

“Canon’s rich history in photography will help many Kenyans with visual impairments experience images in a new way. KNLS is committed to advancing this effort and building on what we have started today,” Nzivo said.

He added that KNLS has an extensive collection of Braille materials and access to computers designed for Braille users, which will complement the project’s goals.

Sammy Waweru, KSB Chief Executive Officer, described the event as a unique recognition of how photography can connect individuals with visual impairments to the digital world.

“In today’s digital age, much of the online content is visual, leaving visually impaired individuals excluded. Canon’s initiative ensures they can connect with photography,” said Waweru.

He noted that the project aligns with KSB’s ongoing efforts to empower people with disabilities, citing a successful digital access programme launched with KNLS in 2002.

“This project will greatly enhance the participation of people with visual impairments in national development,” Waweru added.

The World Unseen initiative is a significant step towards inclusivity in the arts, enabling people with visual impairments to experience and create photography.