MINSK, 20 May (BelTA) - A unique edition about Euphrosyne of Polotsk for blind and visually impaired children was presented at special School No. 188 in Minsk on 20 May. The unique edition will be available to students at all special schools across Belarus, BelTA has learned.
The book is printed in Braille and has been approved for distribution by the Publishing Council of the Belarusian Orthodox Church. What makes this edition unique is its comprehensive approach: it not only tells the story of the saint’s life but also includes a tactile icon that readers can feel, and a spoken description of the image. For those who cannot read Braille, an audio version of the book is available through a QR code.
Director of the social and cultural institution MotsArt, publisher of the book Aleksandr Kalosha noted that the project received the blessing of the Metropolitan of Minsk and Zaslavl Veniamin, Patriarchal Exarch of All Belarus. “The book is fully consistent with the canons of the Orthodox Church. Children’s author Irina Tokareva wrote the text for this edition, and it was then adapted for children with visual impairments,” Aleksandr Kalosha said.
According to the publisher, the most challenging and expensive part of the project was creating the tactile icon. It was produced using specialized printing techniques that allow people with visual impairments to feel the image with their hands.
“The idea was to make the book as informative as possible for everyone. Readers can explore the icon by touch and listen to its description, which follows special audio description standards,” Aleksandr Kalosha explained.
At the end of the book, there are QR codes providing audio descriptions of her life and her icon. The recordings were voiced by actor and member of the Belarusian Union of Cinematographers Igor Petrov, who has been involved in creating audio books for the visually impaired for 25 years. The prayers in the audio version were read by rector of the Church of Hieromartyr Vladimir Khirasko in Minsk, Father Stepfan Voropai.
The choice of Euphrosyne of Polotsk was no accident. The publisher noted that she is not only the heavenly patroness of Belarus but also a great educator. “She opened schools, promoted literacy and culture. For children receiving an education today, her example is extremely important. We wanted to have it ready for the anniversary of her birth. Although the production process was long and painstaking, we are glad that this book will now reach its audience,” Aleksandr Kalosha said.
The print run of this unique edition will soon be sent to Belarusian schools for children with visual impairments.
Follow us on:
