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Feel the Love

This multisensory heart is designed to be a enjoyed by all audiences, especially blind and visually impaired individuals. Using the sunflower as a symbol of pride for the great Midwest, elements of the design incorporate visually impaired student participation for young learners to contribute to the creative process. Locally sourced tactile elements like river rocks from Missouri and limestone from the Flint Hills in Kansas are used within the heart to lovingly frame the high-contrast and recessed "KC" letters at the center. Wind chimes at the base welcome visitors using auditory cues and encourage touch, play, and orientation. The heart proudly displays a Helen Keller quote in braille and text that reads: "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart." This "Heart felt & Heart heard" design exemplifies accessibility in our great region, including the white cane, an international symbol for blindness, that would be 3 dimensionally attached to the surface to signify inclusion and independence for all.
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Artist Spotlight

Kansas City Blind All-Stars & Lydia Knopp

Kansas City Blind All-Stars Foundation (KCBAS) was created in 1973 to support unique opportunities for students who are blind or visually impaired in the midwest. KCBAS provides access to technology, entrepreneurship, athletics, music, and arts experiences for students to express themselves creatively.  These opportunities foster imagination, innovation, and problem solving that ultimately lead to employment and real world learning for students who are blind or visually impaired. This project is led by KSSB Makerspace Coordinator, Lydia Knopp. Lydia is a creative problem solver with 8+ years experience in design, community art, and audio/visual production. She is passionate about using empathy and creative mediums to serve the Midwest. In her role, Lydia works with students across the state to innovate and design accessible products using modern technology in Kansas School for the Blind's Makerspace.