Ora has taken a significant step forward in its partnership with the blind community. Through this collaboration, a series of short films have been released, shedding light on the remarkable work of the Academy of Music for the Blind (AMB). Massachusetts-based Ora, known for its development services in ophthalmic drugs and medical devices, launched The Blind Canvas Project last year in collaboration with BlindCAN. This initiative has led to the creation of captivating videos that showcase the nonprofit music school.

Impact on Families and Children

One of the videos, lasting nearly nine minutes, offers in-depth interviews with AMB employees and the parents of attending children. It also features footage of kids singing and playing music. David Pinto, the co-founder and executive director of the AMB, shared the profound effect the school has on both kids and their families. "The families come, they call me, they’re devastated. Then they come to the academy and they’re sitting together with a dozen other parents who are in the same boat, who were feeling the same thing, but are not, and they kind of pick up a little bit," Pinto said. "Then they see their child open up for the first time and when you see that transition, that’s quite remarkable." This shows how the AMB becomes a source of support and hope for these families.Another video focuses on an extended interview with Pinto, providing more insights into the school's mission and activities. The final two films center around Acabella, the vocal performance group at the AMB. One video includes interviews with the children attending the school, where they discuss their participation in Acabella and their overall experience of navigating a sighted-dominated world. They share their unique perspectives and the challenges they face.The other video showcases a performance by Acabella at an event held during the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s annual meeting. Ora emphasizes that this event was a series of firsts for most of the young musicians in the vocal group, such as flying, navigating a busy city, and performing at an iconic Chicago blues venue. This highlights the significant achievements and growth of these young talents.These short films not only bring the work of the AMB to the forefront but also inspire and educate viewers about the capabilities and experiences of the blind community. Ora's collaboration with the blind community is truly making a difference and opening up new opportunities for those with visual impairments.