Stories, art, and artificial intelligence cultivate awareness and
celebrate individuals living with visual impairments
A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.
BOSTON, Nov. 03, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today we celebrate the launch of The Blind Canvas Project, using the power of storytelling and generative artificial intelligence (AI) to foster a deeper understanding of the lives and experiences of people living with inherited retinal disease, childhood visual impairments, macular degeneration, and other blinding conditions.
This innovative, diverse and global project is a collaboration between the world’s leading ophthalmology clinical trial research organization, Ora, Inc., and BlindCAN Film Festival, a team of industry professionals in the blindness community who provide opportunities and education for the visually impaired.
The Blind Canvas Project begins with immersive interviews of blind individuals as they describe the profound impact blindness-causing conditions have on their lives. Generative AI engines then translate these shared insights and experiences into expressive visual works of art. These beautiful multi-dimensional pieces transcend the limitations of language and create deeply moving soulful perspectives into the human experience of blindness. Through the sharing of these stories and art with the global ophthalmology innovation ecosystem we create awareness, empathy, passion, and excitement.
“Participating in this project, surrounded by beautiful artwork and compelling stories, has been an incredible experience,” said Ben Fox, Founder and President of BlindCAN Film Festival. “Even though there are differences in perception, there is a commonality to the human experience of both sighted and those with blindness, that come through the storytelling in this project. We’re proud of what we’ve created in this partnership with Ora, and I think we’ve shown that being blind isn’t synonymous with lacking vision.”
“This joyful project represents Ora’s heart and soul because our patients are at the center of all we do,” said Stuart Abelson, President and CEO of Ora, Inc. “The remarkable artwork and extraordinary individuals whose experiences they depict inspire Ora’s daily commitment to weave together people, processes and technology to deliver the highest quality clinical research services in the world.”
To learn more about the Blind Canvas Project, hear the patients’ stories and view the inspiring visualizations of their experience, visit www.blindcanvasproject.com and join our community on Instagram at @BlindCanvasProject, and on Facebook at @BlindCanvasProject.
About Ora, Inc.
Ora is the world’s leading full-service ophthalmic drug and device development firm with offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Asia. For over 40 years, we have proudly helped our clients earn more than 80 product approvals. We support a wide array of organizations, from start-ups to global pharmaceutical and device companies, to efficiently bring their new products from concept to market. Ora’s pre-clinical and clinical models, unique methodologies, and global regulatory strategies have been refined and proven across thousands of global projects. We bring together the world’s most extensive and experienced team of ophthalmic experts, R&D professionals, and management executives to maximize the value of new product initiatives. For more information, please visit www.oraclinical.com and follow us on LinkedIn.
Ora® and Ora Logo are registered trademarks of Ora, Inc.
About BlindCAN Film Festival
BlindCAN is a team of industry professionals in the blindness community in addition to business, government, and academic fields that provide opportunities and training to those who are blind and visually impaired. The annual BlindCAN Film Festival celebrates what the blind CAN do, with blind filmmakers or those with registered disabilities submit their films for this festival. The BlindCAN team offers monthly storytelling and filmmaking skill workshops with top industry experts and provides opportunities and training to those who are blind and visually impaired, often through creative partnerships. This team also works to promote training and education on the use of White Canes in partnership with other organizations. Visit www.blindcan.org to learn more.
Media Contact:
Anne Marie Jedraszczak
Ora, Inc.
ajedraszczak@oraclinical.com
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