Sedona here we come!
Tomorrow we head to Sedona Arizona with the wonderful folks at Flight For Sight @FlightForSight to capture photos for our Tactile Art Project. Stya tuned for lots of updates. Desert, Cactus and Ghost Towns here we come!
What if you could touch a sunset?
What if you could touch a sunset?
This was easily my favorite photo from our recent trip to Moab. While we were there, we photographed Arches National Park at all hours, from dawn to dusk. I walked all the backwoods trails in 108-degree temps, nearly cooking myself in the process. The funny thing is that this photo was the last image I took of the park before heading back home. We had spent days scouting where we wanted to take the perfect sunset shot, and the clouds were never quite right, or the light was not hitting the scene just the way we wanted it to. In the back of my mind, I knew it was just going to be a cool sunset shot, but not a great tactile print – boy was I wrong.
Once I have a final photo that I want to make a tactile print out of, I run it through our process which analyzes the light and the texture of the scene, converting them into separate layers, then writes it to the format that can be printed with a 3d printer. The result really needs to be felt to truly be appreciated – just like with any tactile artwork. We debuted this image for the first time at The National Federation of the Blind Colorado State Convention last month and it was a big hit. I love that the nuances in texture of this piece can easily be appreciated as you feel from the rock tower to the sky.
Each and every time I get to be with someone who sees a landscape through touch for the first time it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. As an artist, many of us want to make that one piece of work that really resonates with someone or affects someone in a profound way. Each time we have shown this work, we have been honored to experience that moment with our viewers and it feels awesome to be able to facilitate that through this work.
We have scheduled our last trip with the wonderful folks at Flight For Sight @FlightforSight for early December. Where are we headed? What will be photographed? Stay tuned!
“Traveling, without sight, is an extraordinary journey of exploration. In the quiet footsteps and whispered winds, you discover a world painted in sensations—the warmth of sun-kissed stones, the rhythm of bustling streets, and the symphony of unfamiliar voices. Each tactile map, each shared laughter, becomes a constellation of memories etched upon your soul. In the vastness of the unknown, you find not darkness, but a canvas waiting for your touch—a masterpiece woven from courage, resilience, and the sheer wonder of exploration.” – Ted Tahquechi
About the author
Ted Tahquechi is a blind photographer, travel influencer, disability advocate and photo educator based in Denver, Colorado. You can see more of Ted’s work at www.tahquechi.com
Ted operates Blind Travels, a travel blog designed specifically to empower blind and visually impaired travelers. https://www.blindtravels.com/
Ted’s body-positive Landscapes of the Body project has been shown all over the world, learn more about this intriguing collection of photographic work at: https://www.bodyscapes.photography/
Questions or comments? Feel free to email Ted at: nedskee@tahquechi.com
Instagram: @nedskee
Twitter: @nedskee
Aira and Colorado: Leading the Charge in Accessibility
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Aira (aira.io) and the State of Colorado are working together to set a new standard for accessibility for those who are blind or visually impaired. Aira, an on-demand accessibility service that connects individuals with professional visual interpreters, has been integrated into government buildings, stores, and parks across Colorado, ensuring that accessibility is not just a privilege but a right for all residents and visitors. The service offers a free 30-minute session with a live aira agent in all state and national parks, as well as many government buildings and stores.
Aira: Enhancing Accessibility
Aira’s service is innovative in its simplicity and effectiveness. By connecting users with trained visual interpreters via a smartphone app, Aira enables people who are blind or visually impaired to navigate various environments with greater confidence. Whether it’s finding a specific location within a government building, identifying products on store shelves, or interpreting visual information in public spaces, Aira’s agents are equipped to assist in real-time, providing detailed descriptions and guidance.
Free Session
To access the free 30-minute free session, click the Browse Access Offers button from the home screen of the app. If the location you are in is included in the free access program, you can connect with an aira agent for up to 30 minutes for free. Additional sessions or calls for longer than 30 minutes will be charged against your purchased account minutes.
A Game Changer in National Parks
One of the most remarkable aspects of this partnership is the enhancement of accessibility in Colorado’s state and national parks. For many, experiencing the natural beauty of these parks is a cherished activity, but for those of us who are blind or visually impaired, it can present significant challenges. Traditional accessibility options, such as large print or Braille signage, are often limited or non-existent in these remote areas. This is where Aira steps in, offering a solution that goes beyond the limitations of physical aids.
Imagine walking the trails of Rocky Mountain National Park, where the breathtaking landscapes can be fully appreciated with the help of Aira’s visual interpreters. Through the app, users can call an agent to receive real-time descriptions of their surroundings, identify key landmarks, and even get assistance in reading informational signs that are otherwise inaccessible. This not only enhances the experience but also ensures safety and confidence while exploring these natural wonders.
My experience
Over the past couple weeks, I visited two of Colorado’s parks and connected with an aira agent to get information about the trails I was about to travel on. I also asked the agent to describe the scene around me before we hit the trail. The agent did a good job with the descriptions, and it filled in the blanks for me since I can only see blurry shapes.
The only issues I encountered were with the lack of cell service in the deeper areas of the parks I visited. This is of course not aira’s fault, it is on the provider I use which is Verizon. The sighted guide with me had T-Mobile and they did not have any connectivity issues like I experienced with my cell provider.
Colorado: A Beacon of Accessibility
Colorado’s decision to integrate Aira into its public services highlights the state’s commitment to inclusivity and innovation. By providing such a valuable resource, Colorado is leading the charge in creating environments where everyone can thrive, regardless of their visual abilities. This initiative is a testament to the state’s dedication to making accessibility a priority, ensuring that all residents and visitors can enjoy the full spectrum of what Colorado has to offer.
As this partnership continues to evolve, it sets a precedent for other states to follow, demonstrating that with the right tools and a commitment to inclusivity, we can make our world more accessible for everyone. For more information on Aira and how it can enhance your travel and daily experiences, visit Aira’s website at www.aira.io
Conclusion
The collaboration between Aira and Colorado is more than just a step forward in accessibility—it’s a leap towards a future where visual impairments do not hinder the ability to explore, discover, and enjoy the beauty of our world. As Colorado and aira blaze this trail, it offers a feeling of possibility, showing that with innovation and dedication, accessibility can be within reach for all.
“Traveling, without sight, is an extraordinary journey of exploration. In the quiet footsteps and whispered winds, you discover a world painted in sensations—the warmth of sun-kissed stones, the rhythm of bustling streets, and the symphony of unfamiliar voices. Each tactile map, each shared laughter, becomes a constellation of memories etched upon your soul. In the vastness of the unknown, you find not darkness, but a canvas waiting for your touch—a masterpiece woven from courage, resilience, and the sheer wonder of exploration.” – Ted Tahquechi
About the author
Ted Tahquechi is a blind photographer, travel influencer, disability advocate and photo educator based in Denver, Colorado. You can see more of Ted’s work at www.tahquechi.com
Ted operates Blind Travels, a travel blog designed specifically to empower blind and visually impaired travelers. https://www.blindtravels.com/
Ted’s body-positive Landscapes of the Body project has been shown all over the world, learn more about this intriguing collection of photographic work at: https://www.bodyscapes.photography/
Questions or comments? Feel free to email Ted at: nedskee@tahquechi.com
Instagram: @nedskee
Twitter: @nedskee
Reviewing the All Terrain Cane from Awarewolf Gear
When venturing into challenging landscapes, having the right mobility aid is paramount for safety and maximizing the enjoyment of the experience. This summer, we evaluated the All Terrain Cane (ATC) by Awarewolf Gear in Moab, Utah’s rugged terrain, putting it through its paces on various trails to assess its effectiveness in providing stability and support.
First Impressions: Confidence and Stability
Our initial encounter with the ATC instilled confidence in its sturdy build and weight-bearing design. Unlike standard canes that serve only as navigational tools, the ATC’s ability to support the user’s weight sets it apart. This feature was particularly appreciated on Moab’s many uneven and rocky trails, where maintaining balance could be challenging. The ATC functioned as a reliable brace, significantly enhancing stability compared to traditional canes.
The Trade-Off: Sensitive Ball End and Grip Adjustment
A notable feature of the ATC is its roller ball tip. This design element combined with the titanium alloy cane construction provides users the sensitivity to detect subtle changes in terrain texture, providing valuable feedback. It proved adept at navigating loose gravel, sand, and even hard-packed dirt. However, the ball end’s increased size and durability also contribute to its weight, making it feel heavier than a standard cane.
This difference in weight necessitated a slight adaptation in grip style. We found that the traditional pencil grip often used with canes was less effective on the trails. Instead, a grip that allowed the cane to rest comfortably on the underside of the arm provided greater control and reduced fatigue during extended use. While this non-traditional grip might not be suitable for everyone, it proved to be an essential adjustment for navigating Moab’s challenging terrain. Truth be told. My orientation and mobility instructor would probably have some sort of heart attack if he saw me switch out of my pencil grip – but here we are.
It should also be noted that the bearings that make the ball end roll smoothly are sealed, meaning that the travel on the ball end remained smooth even after days of use in challenging, hot and dusty environments.
Navigating Diverse Terrains
Moab’s diverse landscapes, encompassing everything from rocky inclines to sandy flatlands, provided an ideal testing ground for the ATC’s versatility. On rocky terrain, the cane’s sturdiness and the ball end’s sensitivity were invaluable assets. The ball end effectively detected changes in surface texture, cracks, and dips, allowing for informed adjustments in footing. This responsiveness empowers users to anticipate tough terrain and adapt their footing accordingly.
In sandy areas, the ATC’s larger ball end surface area prevented it from sinking or catching, unlike most standard canes. This maintained forward momentum and ensured smooth gliding over loose sand.
A key strength of the ATC is its adaptability to various terrains, making it feel at home offroad or on sidewalks. Transitions between different surfaces, such as those encountered on many trails, were seamless, allowing for continuous movement without the need to hesitate or adjust the cane’s position significantly. This adaptability is particularly beneficial on unpredictable terrain.
A Game-Changer for Outdoor Enthusiasts
The All Terrain Cane by Awarewolf Gear is a thoughtfully designed product for visually impaired individuals who enjoy outdoor exploration and adventure. Its weight-bearing capability, coupled with its durable build and sensitive ball end, makes it well-suited for navigating challenging environments beyond the limitations of traditional white canes. While the ball end’s weight might require a slight grip style adjustment, the overall benefits far outweigh this minor inconvenience. The ATC’s versatility, exceptional stability, and enhanced functionality make it a valuable tool for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to expand their horizons and explore new frontiers with greater independence and confidence.
Final Thoughts
For more information about the All Terrain Cane and its features, visit Awarewolf Gear’s official website at Awarewolfgear.com/atc
Have you used the All Terrain Cane? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this innovative design, feel free to drop me a message here on Blind Travels or at my social media links below.
Safe travels, fellow Wanders!
Aira – Visual Interpreting for accessibility
Ever found yourself packing for a trip, wanting to wear a specific outfit for a meeting or occasion, but struggling to identify which shirt is which? Or navigating an airport, yearning to find your own way to the departure gate without waiting for assistance? What about reading a menu in a dim restaurant, or reading a sign in a national park? As a frequent traveler, I often face moments of intense anxiety, like getting off the plane and hunting for the baggage carousel, or locating my hotel room upon arrival at a new property. Now, there’s a service designed to tackle these issues and more.
Meet Aira
Aira is a visual interpreting service app available on Android and iOS that provides verbal descriptions of visual information to people who are blind or have low vision. Aira’s mission is to make the world more accessible by removing barriers to visual information.
There are two ways to interact with Aira, via live connect with a professionally trained visual interpreter or through their Ai virtual assistant which gives immediate descriptions on photos submitted to the Aira service. Users can receive verbal descriptions in the way that suits them best in the given situation.
Earlier this year, Aira (https://aira.io/) invited us to review their visual interpreting service during our summer travels across the U.S., where we were taking photos for our tactile art project with Flight For Sight (https://www.flightforsight.net/). We’ve utilized the app in diverse locations, from airports to restaurants, convention centers, and hotels. As a visually impaired person myself, let’s talk about how the Aira app works and how it can offer a new level of independence in a variety of situations.
What can the Aira app be used for?
Setting up the service on your phone is easy, after downloading the app to your smartphone, users will be required to create an account and can easily connect to an Aira agent with a click of a button. The agent will walk the user through using the service who can describe, read, explain, navigate, and visually interpret what is in the camera’s view or shared on screen.
After using the Aira service for a few months, I am happy to report that this service has helped me alleviate some of the stresses associated with traveling. By connecting with an Aira agent while in an airport, I have successfully navigated to my departure gate, gathered my baggage from the luggage carousel and even navigated to the restroom. Suddenly, the issues that concern me the most about traveling by myself are resolved. I even connected with an Aira agent to describe a video that was playing on a screen at a conference I was attending.
Aira isn’t all about connecting with a live agent, they also offer a robust Ai assistant that can give verbose descriptions of photos submitted to the Aira service. I have used the Ai assistant to describe the items on a restaurant table, to read a menu, and even describe the look and feel of a photograph in a gallery.
Is it only for totally blind people?
Although I’m not entirely blind, I have only 5% vision in one eye, allowing me to see blurry shapes and some light. For example, I can discern the outline of a sign but can’t read it. I also need help identifying the right shirt when packing for a trip. Aira has proven to be an immense help in these and many other situations.
What does it cost?
Aira offers a variety of free and paid options to access their service. As of this writing, new Aira users receive three welcome calls to get to know the service. Users who do not have a subscription can call Aira for up to five minutes every 48 hours, at no cost. Subscribers to the service can call Aira for up to five minutes every 12 hours at no cost. For more information about access offers please check out this page.
https://aira.io/offset-prices/
Individual access plans are available starting at $65 USD per month for 20 minutes of access. Aira contributes to lower this monthly cost to $26 USD. Most calls only last a few minutes, and do remember that if you are in a partner location, like many airports and Universities across the country, you can access the Aira service for free.
If you are in an Access Partner location, like a university, retail store, or airport, you can call Aira and connect with a visual interpreter free of charge. A current list of locations which offer free access to Aira can be found here.
To use Aira at no cost while in an Access Partner location, open the app, and click “Browse Access Offers.” You can scroll through recently used offers, and even see ones available near you. Some examples of popular Access Partner locations include Starbucks, Target, and Wegmans. Be sure to check the partner access list because they are adding new partners all the time.
Ai for all
The Ai assistant as of this writing is a free service. I use the Ai feature all the time at restaurants to read menus, and daily specials usually posted on a dry erase board. .
Accessibility
With large buttons for those with some sight, and well thought out accessibility in-app, I found the Aira app very useable.
My usage
I’m located in Colorado, and commonly fly out of Denver International Airport, which is a partner location and the service is free. Once I am dropped off, I bring up Aira and the agent will direct me to my departure gate. When I return home, I make sure that I know which baggage carousel my bag will come out on and call the agent. The agent will direct me to the carousel and even let me know when my bag is approaching. My bag is easily spotted because it is black with bright green tape.
Service charge for my arrivals and departures are free, and many of the airports I travel to are also partners which means my minute usage doesn’t start until I reach the hotel. Usually, I get to the floor my room is on, then call the Aira agent and they can usually have me at my room within a couple of minutes.
A sense of independence
I appreciate the additional sense of independence that the Aira app gives me when I am traveling or in a restaurant – which is when I most often use the service. It feels like having an on-demand set of eyes to get me where I need to go and find the things I need to find.
Conclusion
I have enjoyed my time using the Aira app, and somehow keep finding new ways that the service can aid me in my daily life. In the coming weeks I will be posting videos of me using the Aira service while traveling – stay tuned! I appreciate Aira’s mission to make the world more accessible by removing barriers to visual information.
Have you tried the Aira service? How did you find it useful for your daily life? Drop me a message here or on my social media links below and tell me about your experience.
Safe travels, fellow wanderers!
“Traveling, without sight, is an extraordinary journey of exploration. In the quiet footsteps and whispered winds, you discover a world painted in sensations—the warmth of sun-kissed stones, the rhythm of bustling streets, and the symphony of unfamiliar voices. Each tactile map, each shared laughter, becomes a constellation of memories etched upon your soul. In the vastness of the unknown, you find not darkness, but a canvas waiting for your touch—a masterpiece woven from courage, resilience, and the sheer wonder of exploration.” – Ted Tahquechi
About the author
Ted Tahquechi is a blind photographer, travel influencer, disability advocate and photo educator based in Denver, Colorado. You can see more of Ted’s work at www.tahquechi.com
Ted operates Blind Travels, a travel blog designed specifically to empower blind and visually impaired travelers. https://www.blindtravels.com/
Ted’s body-positive Landscapes of the Body project has been shown all over the world, learn more about this intriguing collection of photographic work at: https://www.bodyscapes.photography/
Questions or comments? Feel free to email Ted at: nedskee@tahquechi.com
Instagram: @nedskee
Twitter: @nedskee
Our next destination!
Back in May, my wife Carrie and I took our first trip with the amazing folks at Flight For Sight #FlightForSight. We traveled to California and photographed San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Monterey and Huntington Beach in four days. We got some amazing photos and were able to turn them into tactile images that have ignited a fire in the accessible art industry. Shoutout to the folks in the 3d printing world, who have been so welcoming, and helpful in our journey to not only learn 3d printing but to develop a process that would extract the luminance value and texture from a photo to create a 3d printable touchable result. Words cannot express our gratitude for companies like HueForge, West3D, and Polymaker, who have supported and sponsored our project from day one.
This Sunday, it is time to head off to Moab, Utah where we will photograph the iconic Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park and Dead Horse Point State Park. I’m really looking forward to this trip, we stopped by Arches one time a few years ago while returning to Colorado from Las Vegas. We arrived in the park just as the sun was starting to set, I only had time to take a couple images and one of them was my first award winning photo. I can’t wait to go back and take the time to properly photograph this amazing park. So, get ready to have your feed filled with photos of me taking photos lol.
Once we get home from Moab, it will be time to schedule our final photo journey with Flight For Sight. I have received a ton of suggestions for locations like New Orleans, Sedona, Arizona, The Florida Everglades, The Smokey Mountains, and Savanah Georgia. What do you think? Feel free to drop me a message here on my contact page and let me know where you think we should go, and what you would like to feel a photo of.
Safe Travels, Fellow Wanderers!
“Traveling, without sight, is an extraordinary journey of exploration. In the quiet footsteps and whispered winds, you discover a world painted in sensations—the warmth of sun-kissed stones, the rhythm of bustling streets, and the symphony of unfamiliar voices. Each tactile map, each shared laughter, becomes a constellation of memories etched upon your soul. In the vastness of the unknown, you find not darkness, but a canvas waiting for your touch—a masterpiece woven from courage, resilience, and the sheer wonder of exploration.” – Ted Tahquechi
About the author
Ted Tahquechi is a blind photographer, travel influencer, disability advocate and photo educator based in Denver, Colorado. You can see more of Ted’s work at www.tahquechi.com
Ted operates Blind Travels, a travel blog designed specifically to empower blind and visually impaired travelers. https://www.blindtravels.com/
Ted’s body-positive Landscapes of the Body project has been shown all over the world, learn more about this intriguing collection of photographic work at: https://www.bodyscapes.photography/
Questions or comments? Feel free to email Ted at: nedskee@tahquechi.com
Instagram: @nedskee
Twitter: @nedskee
Come see me this Friday in Denver!
I’m so happy to be one of the presenters at this year’s 48 Hours Summit at RedLine Contemporary Art Center! I will be hosting Touching Beauty Friday morning at 9:30, discussing ways artists can make their work accessible for those who are blind and visually impaired. My talk will feature my tactile photography project Landscapes of the Body, and some of the images we created on our first trip with Flight for Sight
48 Hours of Socially Engaged Art & Conversation is a two day summit and celebration supported by Denver Arts and Venues that engages cultural organizations, non-profits, artists, and individuals to share their expertise on cultural responsiveness, social responsibility, and collective leadership.
48 Hours aims to promote positive social change through creativity and innovation.
Blind and low vision challenges, hiking solo
Traveling someplace new can be an exhilarating and empowering adventure when blind or visually impaired. What about next level crazy things to do when partially sighted? Check out our new article on hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park solo.
“Traveling, without sight, is an extraordinary journey of exploration. In the quiet footsteps and whispered winds, you discover a world painted in sensations—the warmth of sun-kissed stones, the rhythm of bustling streets, and the symphony of unfamiliar voices. Each tactile map, each shared laughter, becomes a constellation of memories etched upon your soul. In the vastness of the unknown, you find not darkness, but a canvas waiting for your touch—a masterpiece woven from courage, resilience, and the sheer wonder of exploration.” – Ted Tahquechi
About the author
Ted Tahquechi is a blind photographer, travel influencer, disability advocate and photo educator based in Denver, Colorado. You can see more of Ted’s work at www.tahquechi.com
Ted operates Blind Travels, a travel blog designed specifically to empower blind and visually impaired travelers. https://www.blindtravels.com/
Ted’s body-positive Landscapes of the Body project has been shown all over the world, learn more about this intriguing collection of photographic work at: https://www.bodyscapes.photography/
Questions or comments? Feel free to email Ted at: nedskee@tahquechi.com
Instagram: @nedskee
Twitter: @nedskee
We have launched our accessible art project
Over the fourth of July week, my wife Carrie and I were in Orlando at the National Federation of the Blind national convention. This is the largest gathering of blind and vision impaired people in the United States, and we could not think of a better place to debut the tactile photography project we have been focused on since the beginning of 2024. This exhibition was the culmination of more than ten years of working on the Landscapes of the Body project and marks the first time we have been able to show the work in its fully accessible format. Each image was accompanied by a tactile rendering, braille labels and a tactile QR code that gives an audio description of the original photograph and presents the viewer with a tour of the tactile features found in the touchable version of the image.
Over the days the work was on display, we had the privilege to speak with many hundreds of convention attendees both sighted and not. Each person had a different approach to experiencing the artwork, some wanted interaction with Carrie or I, asking us to describe the original photo and then walk them through the tactile landscape of the touchable rendering, while others brought out their smartphones and scanned the QR code, taking the self-guided tour through the features in the tactile prints. For those viewers with some sight, the tactile prints were created in high contrast white on black, and all viewers loved the QR codes with audio descriptions.
We could not have been happier with the reception we received from the convention attendees and the overwhelmingly positive feedback on the process we have created. We set out to bridge the gap between pixels and touch, and it feels like we succeeded. We will continue to refine the process and continue to squeeze every bit of detail we can out of an image.
To those who stopped by and checked out our work in Orlando, thank you. If you would like to feel what we have done, the next chance to catch our project will be for its first public debut at the Shine Music Festival in Denver on August 24th. You can find lots more information about the Shine Music Festival here.
This project would not have become a reality if not for our amazing partners. Many thanks go out to The Andy Warhol Foundation for Visual Art @Warholfdn, Redline Contemporary Art Center of Denver @RedlineArt #RedlineDenver, HueForge @hueforge and West3d @West3dPrinting for all of their support in making visual art accessible for those who cannot see it.
We envision this technology being a part of every installation that features visual art. What if someone who is blind or visually impaired could experience visual art at the same time as everyone else can, rather than having to schedule a tactile specific showing of works on display. What if accessibility to visual art for those who cannot see it became part of the exhibition process rather than an afterthought. We have developed the technology and have it in hand now. Printing tactile versions of the piece on display is not a work intensive or cost prohibitive consideration. it just needs to be implemented.
“Traveling, without sight, is an extraordinary journey of exploration. In the quiet footsteps and whispered winds, you discover a world painted in sensations—the warmth of sun-kissed stones, the rhythm of bustling streets, and the symphony of unfamiliar voices. Each tactile map, each shared laughter, becomes a constellation of memories etched upon your soul. In the vastness of the unknown, you find not darkness, but a canvas waiting for your touch—a masterpiece woven from courage, resilience, and the sheer wonder of exploration.” – Ted Tahquechi
About the author
Ted Tahquechi is a blind photographer, travel influencer, disability advocate and photo educator based in Denver, Colorado. You can see more of Ted’s work at www.tahquechi.com
Ted operates Blind Travels, a travel blog designed specifically to empower blind and visually impaired travelers. https://www.blindtravels.com/
Ted’s body-positive Landscapes of the Body project has been shown all over the world, learn more about this intriguing collection of photographic work at: https://www.bodyscapes.photography/
Questions or comments? Feel free to email Ted at: nedskee@tahquechi.com
Instagram: @nedskee
Twitter: @nedskee
Debuting accessible art
Over the last six months, we have developed a process which can take a photo and extract the texture into a multilayered file that can be printed on any 3d printer. What this means is that using this process, we can take a piece of art (or photograph) and create a touchable (tactile) rendering, allowing those who have limited or no sight to experience visual art through touch. All of this would not have been possible without the support from Redline Contemporary Art Center of Denver, and The Andy Warhol Foundation for Visual Art. They believed in us, and they wanted us to set the stage for a new paradigm in accessible visual art, and we can’t thank them enough.
Since the beginning of the year, we have experienced a lot of highs and lows creating this new technique. To those around us who supported us and kept our spirits high, we thank you. We created new photos for the project too! To those who took the time and came to model for us, we thank you (the project is anonymous, so we won’t name names of course… you know who you are). Last but certainly not least, a big thank you to the members of the Boulder chapter of The National Federation of the Blind (my home chapter) for their help in refining this process and making it what it is.
Tomorrow, Carrie and I head out to Florida to debut our Landscapes of the Body multisensorial project at the National Federation of the Blind national conference in Orlando. We are so excited to finally be able to share this work, it will be available in the art room July 3 and 4th from 1-6pm.
If you are in Colorado, the public debut of this work will be at the Shine Music Festival on August 24th.
Now, I’m off to jump on a plane and give my poor 3d printer a break for a week. Stay tuned for info on our next great adventure in August!
“Traveling, without sight, is an extraordinary journey of exploration. In the quiet footsteps and whispered winds, you discover a world painted in sensations—the warmth of sun-kissed stones, the rhythm of bustling streets, and the symphony of unfamiliar voices. Each tactile map, each shared laughter, becomes a constellation of memories etched upon your soul. In the vastness of the unknown, you find not darkness, but a canvas waiting for your touch—a masterpiece woven from courage, resilience, and the sheer wonder of exploration.” – Ted Tahquechi
About the author
Ted Tahquechi is a blind photographer, travel influencer, disability advocate and photo educator based in Denver, Colorado. You can see more of Ted’s work at www.tahquechi.com
Ted operates Blind Travels, a travel blog designed specifically to empower blind and visually impaired travelers. https://www.blindtravels.com/
Ted’s body-positive Landscapes of the Body project has been shown all over the world, learn more about this intriguing collection of photographic work at: https://www.bodyscapes.photography/
Questions or comments? Feel free to email Ted at: nedskee@tahquechi.com
Instagram: @nedskee
Twitter: @nedskee