MITI JAGDISH MAKWANA
Mr. S Guruprasad
miti_m@nid.edu
This project explores how non visual crafting can enhance the biopsychosocial wellbeing of individuals with acquired blindness, focusing on self expression, social connection, and agency. Recognizing that vision loss impacts identity, emotional regulation, and social participation, the study applies the Design Justice Framework to center lived experiences often excluded from mainstream design. Through secondary research on sensory reorganization, neuroplasticity, mental health, and craft, combined with interviews and observations with educators, psychologists, and craft practitioners, the project developed Tactile Testimonies a co creative storytelling intervention. Participants with blindness create textured compositions reflecting their life before, during, and after vision loss, which sighted participants explore through guided tactile engagement and dialogue. This fosters empathy, awareness, and sensory understanding. Moving forward, the project aims to expand through workshops, educator toolkits, and public installations, positioning craft as a medium for accessibility, healing, and expressive agency.