How do people with visual impairments learn to dance? This question is at the heart of the first episode of the “Unseen” podcast, presented by its co-authors – YSU student Vahan Dishlanyan and Sipan Asatryan, Director of the Sokrate Shahnazaryan Cultural Center of the Armenian Union of the Blind.
The podcast series is the result of a new partnership between the “Internet Society” NGO and the Cultural Center of the Union of the Blind. Coordinated by podcaster Christian Ginosyan, the initiative began with specialized training for union members, who then moved on to producing their own media content.
Through this program, the organization and its partners are advancing media inclusion for people with disabilities. By leveraging contemporary media formats, participants are empowered to create original content, share their community’s stories and challenges and build a meaningful presence in the media space.
The podcast initiative is part of a broader, ongoing effort implemented in collaboration with the Internet Society Armenia Chapter PO. In 2024, with support from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the organization modernized the recording studio of the “Menq” internet radio – originally established within the Cultural Center to enhance media production capabilities and relaunch the platform.
Founded in 2016 by the “Internet Society” NGO with funding from the global Internet Society and support from the Union of the Blind, the “Menq” (radio-menq.am) internet radio has served as an educational and informational platform for people with visual impairments, offering a range of programs and audiobooks.
Upcoming episodes by other contributors to the “Unseen” podcast will continue to amplify community voices, shedding light on their experiences and key issues.
