The Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) and EdRising students recently participated in a visit to the Foundation for Blind Children, where they explored how to better serve the blind community and create more inclusive spaces. The visit centered around three main objectives:
- Understanding the assistive technologies being used to enhance accessibility and independence for blind individuals,
- Learning how to build more inclusive communities that actively include those often overlooked, and
- Discovering how technology, particularly smartphone applications such as "Be My Eyes," can improve the daily lives of the blind community.
As part of this immersive experience, students took part in a virtual activity where they were blindfolded and tasked with navigating the campus, allowing them to gain a deeper appreciation for the challenges faced by blind individuals in everyday environments. This hands-on activity provided insight into how critical it is to design spaces that are accessible to all, fostering empathy and awareness.
Additionally, students had the opportunity to interact with children at the Foundation, ranging from newborns to 4th graders. This visit allowed the students to see firsthand how young children with visual impairments are supported through specialized education and therapies. The experience was an eye-opening opportunity for PTK and EdRising students to engage with the blind community and reflect on their roles in advocating for accessibility, equity, and inclusion. By learning about assistive technologies and best practices, students are now better equipped to contribute to creating more inclusive environments both on and off campus.
