Problem addressed

Blind and visually impaired individuals faced significant barriers when accessing goods, services, and digital information.

Businesses were often unprepared to interact effectively with blind customers, resulting in exclusion, reduced independence, and obstacles to community participation.

Digital environments were frequently inaccessible, limiting access to essential information and online services.

Innovative solution

The project used role-reversal experiential learning, designed and facilitated by blind professionals.

Participants engaged in hands-on activities that allowed them to understand the lived experience of blindness and challenge stereotypes.A blind developer led the digital accessibility component, offering practical tools for immediate improvement.

Key results and benefits

The completed project achieved:

– Training of at least 100 people in physical shops

– Training of over 150 participants through online webinars

– Increased awareness and reduced stereotypes regarding blindness

– Improved accessibility in neighbourhood shops

– Enhanced digital accessibility for local small businesses

– Stronger autonomy and independence for blind residents

– Ripple effect: participants shared the experience with peers, families, and colleagues

Potential for mainstreaming

The project demonstrated a replicable and scalable model suitable for other municipalities, cultural institutions, and retail networks.Its low-cost, high-impact format made it adaptable across regions.