By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa/Umoja Standard.
Kampala, Uganda: In a bid to promote inclusivity and equality, the United Bible Societies (UBS) Africa held a pivotal face-to-face meeting at the Golf Course Hotel in Kampala, Uganda. The summit, themed “Beyond Sight: UBS Summit on Scripture Accessibility for the Visually Impaired,” brought together stakeholders to discuss innovative ways to enhance scripture accessibility for the blind and visually impaired.
The meeting was attended by representatives from various organizations, including Bible societies, churches, and advocacy groups. The summit’s theme was inspired by Isaiah 35:5, which promises, “Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped.”
During the summit, participants shared experiences, expertise, and best practices in making scripture accessible to the visually impaired. Discussions centered around innovative technologies, such as braille, audio, and digital formats, that can help bridge the accessibility gap.
The meeting also provided a platform for visually impaired individuals to share their stories and highlight the challenges they face in accessing scripture. Their testimonies underscored the importance of inclusive and accessible scripture resources.
UBS Africa’s initiative aims to promote scripture accessibility and equality for all, regardless of visual ability. By working together with local partners and organizations, UBS hopes to create a more inclusive environment where everyone can engage with scripture.
The summit’s outcomes and recommendations are expected to inform the development of strategies and programs that will enhance scripture accessibility for the visually impaired in Uganda and beyond.