In a joint effort to support visually impaired individuals, the Seattle Services for the Blind Organization has prepared and printed a collection of specialized books and educational resources in Braille for the Blind Institutes Division at the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine.

This initiative is part of a collaborative agreement facilitated by the Imam Hussain Cultural Center in Istanbul. Speaking on the occasion, the Center’s Director, Sabah Al-Taliqani, stated, "Under the agreement between the Blind Institutes Division at the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine and the Seattle Services for the Blind Organization in the United States, we are set to receive the first shipment of specialized Braille publications, which will then be delivered to the Holy Shrine."

Dr. Muayyad Aziz, Director of Seattle Services for the Blind, emphasized the significance of this project, “We have started preparing and printing a variety of curricula and educational materials in Braille for the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him). Given the pressing need for such resources in Iraq, we are committed to expanding our cooperation in the coming phases."

Providing background on the organization, Dr. Aziz added, "We are a registered non-profit based in Seattle, Washington, dedicated to supporting blind and visually impaired individuals. Our work centers on providing accessible, customized services that promote independence and open up educational and professional opportunities."

He further stated, "Access to information is a basic human right. Our mission is to break down the barriers faced by the blind in everyday life by converting printed and visual materials into accessible formats. We rely on modern scientific techniques aligned with the internationally recognized Braille system to ensure accuracy and usability."

This partnership marks a meaningful step toward making religious, educational, and cultural resources more inclusive and accessible to the blind community in Iraq and beyond.

Abbas Najim