The “Unseen” podcast training program is a new initiative by the Internet Society NGO, designed to promote media inclusion and develop contemporary media skills among people with visual impairments. The program is implemented in partnership with the “Sokrat Shahnazaryan Culture House” of the Armenian Union of the Blind.
Launched on February 11, the course brings together six participants from the community who have different visual impairments. By the end of March, they will present their first podcast episodes, produced with the support and mentorship of trainer Christian Ginosyan.
“For many years, through our work aimed at the social integration of people with visual impairments, we have sought to create opportunities for them to independently access and use modern technological tools. This course not only enables participants to realize their potential, but also empowers them to raise important issues and contribute to meaningful solutions,” said Igor Mkrtumyan, Board Chair of the Internet Society NGO.
This podcast training builds upon a long-standing series of initiatives carried out by the Internet Society NGO and the Internet Society Armenia Chapter PO in collaboration with both international and local partners.
A significant milestone in expanding educational and professional opportunities for people with visual impairments was the establishment of “Menq” online radio station (radio-menq.am) in 2016. The project was initiated by the Internet Society NGO, supported by the Armenian Union of the Blind, and funded by the global Internet Society organization.
In 2024 the initiative entered a new phase with the technical modernization of the recording studio by the Internet Society Armenia Chapter PO, supported by the International Telecommunication Union. Located at the “Sokrat Shahnazaryan Culture House” of the Armenian Union of the Blind, the studio originally created as part of an internet center – now serves as a modern space not only for producing high-quality audio content, but also for teaching new professional skills.
The current podcast training course marks another important step in this ongoing effort to promote digital inclusion, amplify the voices of people with visual impairments and ensure their full and active participation in the information society.
