British Vogue has released a braille edition of the magazine for the first time in its 107-year history.
The May issue of the publication has also been made available in audio format to increase access for blind and partially sighted people.
Edward Enninful, the editor-in-chief, wrote on Instagram: “The Vogue team and I are delighted by the response to the May issue, but what the process of making it taught us is that what’s most important are tangible and lasting changes.
“Vogue and the fashion and publishing industries have a great deal to do still, but it makes me very happy to see the arrival of these first braille issues today.”
Titled Reframing Fashion, this month’s magazine focuses on disability justice, accessibility and pride.
Produced in collaboration with Tilting the Lens, an accessibility and inclusion consultancy company that has advised brands like Netflix and Starbucks on how to make their businesses more disability-friendly, the edition features 19 disabled people from fashion, sport, activism and the arts.
Each of the five covers shows an influential disabled activist or prominent individual, including actor Selma Blair and consultant editor Sinéad Burke.
In an interview with the Guardian last month, Enninful, 51, spoke about his own experiences of having an invisible disability. He said: “I’ve had five retinal detachments, I’m partially blind and my hearing is less than 50% – I’m wearing hearing aids now. It’s never stopped me, but there are so many people with invisible disabilities who never talk about it, because it might hinder them. I’ve never had that fear.
“When I’m reading, it’s still difficult: when I’m doing interviews, I have to ask people to talk at a certain level. But these are things that are me; these are things that I’ve embraced. We always talk about diversity and inclusivity, but that also has to extend to our disabled brothers and sisters.”
Readers can receive the audio file and print a braille file of the issue at home for free, or register their interest in being sent a physical braille copy.
Enninful, who was appointed editor-in-chief in 2017, has long promoted his mission to boost inclusivity and representation in fashion. In 2016, he was awarded an OBE for services to diversity in the industry.
Last month, it was reported that Enninful said he had turned down advertising from major fashion brands who do not share his vision.
