This award winner of the Zero Project shows how accessible media can empower blind and visually impaired people by providing information, education and community within the framework of an inclusive broadcasting service.
INCI Radio, also known as La Radio Incluyente, The station was launched in 2015 by the National Institute for the Blind (INCI), an agency of the Colombian Ministry of National Education. It was founded to address the lack of media content specifically tailored to blind and visually impaired audiences. It produces a wide range of audio programs and podcasts accessible to listeners throughout Colombia and worldwide.
The approach is clear: radio can be a powerful tool for inclusion when content is created with the needs and interests of people with disabilities in mind. INCI Radio offers programs on topics such as inclusive education, employment, culture, digital literacy, legal rights, sports, and storytelling. The station also promotes lifelong learning and social participation through specialized programming tailored to a blind and visually impaired audience.
In addition to regular broadcasts, INCI Radio develops educational and informational content that promotes independence and social inclusion. Programs like "Letras a Ciegas" encourage reading and introduce listeners to new books, while "La Voz Jurídica" offers legal guidance through contributions from law students and legal experts. The station is freely accessible via a mobile application on all major app platforms, making it easy for listeners to tune in from anywhere.
Its impact extends far beyond Colombia. Since its launch, INCI Radio has grown to more than 30,000 Spanish-speaking listeners in nearly 100 countries. The station produces more than 30 programs each week and actively involves people with visual impairments in content creation and hosting. Partnerships with major media organizations have further expanded its reach and helped make inclusive content accessible to a wider audience.
Three aspects make this project special:
- Target group-specific content: The programs address topics that are directly relevant to blind and visually impaired people – from education and employment to laws and culture.
- Global accessibility: Through online streaming and mobile applications, the station reaches listeners in almost 100 countries.
- Participation and empowerment: People with visual impairments are actively involved in program design, which strengthens representation and communication skills.
CEO Carlos Parra Dussan summarizes the vision as follows: „INCI Radio is a station with inclusive content that has succeeded in uniting the population of Colombia and the whole world.“
INCI Radio demonstrates how accessible media can inform, connect and empower people when the voices and experiences of people with disabilities are placed at the heart of content creation.
More information here.