Beyond Vision International

"Sight is not the only way to see the world." Founded in 2016, Beyond Vision International (BVI) is a Hong Kong-based charitable organization dedicated to ensuring that access to visual information in the arts, culture, and education is a universal human right. BVI is committed to improving the quality of life for visually impaired individuals (VIS) by advocating for equal access to visual information. Through the development of uniquely designed tactile materials and audio descriptions, BVI bridges the gap for VIs in education, art, and cultural activities. BVI curates, designs, and transforms. BVI provides innovative tools, training, and empowering opportunities, enabling Vls to engage with visually rich environments. BVI's journey began with the creation of the Tactile-Audio Interaction System (TAIS), a multi-sensory interactive platform that allows visually impaired individuals to experience art and cultural visual elements through the integration of tactile paintings and audio descriptions. This assistive platform helps Vis develop a clearer mental image of the visual elements they encounter. In 2018, BVI introduced the Tactile Visual Vocabulary System (TVVS), a groundbreaking innovation launched successfully at the Blind School in Hong Kong. TVVS standardizes visual elements in a touchable and structured format, redefining how Vls learn and perceive visual information. By breaking barriers in education, TVVS creates an equal learning environment for all. Building on this success, BVI launched the Tactile Colour System (TCS) in late 2019, a system that enhances color perception for Vls through touchable patterns and textures, which received widespread acclaim. BVI actively collaborates with local and international partners to deliver diverse and inclusive experiences for Vls, covering themes such as art, culture, history, community exploration, and nature. Key local partnerships include City University of Hong Kong (2021), M+ (2022-present), French May (2023), Tai Kwun (2023), L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts (2024-present), Hong Kong Museum of Art (2021-2024), and Hong Kong Museum of History (2023-2024), etc. Internationally, BVI has partnered with esteemed organizations such as the Asian Art Museum (2018, San Francisco), Another Way of Seeing (2022-present, Korea), National Gallery Singapore (2023-present, Singapore), Singapore Art Museum (2024-present, Singapore), and Gardens by the Bay (2024-present, Singapore). In these collaborations, BVI serves not only as a designer of accessible materials but also as an accessibility consultant and co-curator of inclusive content. BVI firmly believes in empowerment through tactile and multi-sensory mediums. Since 2021, with support from the Robert Ho Family Foundation, BVI has trained over 15 visually impaired individuals as eco-guides and community tour guides, enabling them to share meaningful and engaging stories with sighted audiences through their unique perceptions. Starting in 2023, with backing from the HKEX Foundation, BVI has trained more than 20 VIs to become tactile workshop instructors and life coaches, fostering inclusion and awareness among children through art and culture. Many of these trained individuals continue to play active roles within the organization's collaborations, serving as facilitators, guides, and practitioners.