Inspirational Blind Whovian Brings the Doctor’s World to Life for Thousand of Visually Impaired Fans

For 60 years the immersive, visual universe of Doctor Who has been captivating the imaginations of audiences around the world. Now, for the first time, blind and visually impaired people can fully experience the spectacle too – thanks to an innovative new project that brings the Doctor’s world to life through touch and sound.

We’re are thrilled to announce that we’ve released the first in a series of Doctor Who resources that fans of all ages can enjoy for free from the comfort of their own home. Within each pack, audio descriptions guide fingers over hand-made raised images of the show’s iconic characters, props and sets – helping blind and visually impaired fans create a picture in their mind and ‘see’ through touch.

This project was all made possible by lifelong Whovian, Louis Moorhouse (22), who has been using the charity’s service since he was just 18 months old after losing his sight due to complications with childhood cancer. After approaching us with the idea in 2021, Louis raised almost £25,000 to make his dream a reality. Now, thanks to his monumental efforts, thousands of other blind people across the UK will also be able to access the Whoniverse at their fingertips.

On it’s release, Louis said:

“I can’t believe that an idea two years ago while walking my guide dog, Kizzy, has evolved into something so incredible. I’ve been a Doctor Who fan for as long as I remember, but I hadn’t fully met the weird and wonderful characters, aliens, monsters and devices used in the show until now. In my own way, I’m able to see the TARDIS, the Daleks, Cybermen and so much more. Knowing that this will benefit so many other fans, and maybe inspire new ones, is amazing.”

With 60 years of history to cover, the first two releases take users on a journey from the first Doctor to the ninth alongside a slew of legendary adversaries, and features audio descriptions from a host of fan-favourites including Colin Baker, Peter Davison, Christopher Eccleston, Tom Baker, Sir Derek Jacobi, Katy Manning and ‘voice of the Daleks’ Nicholas Briggs. A third release in Summer 2024 will take blind and visually impaired people on a further journey through space and time, meeting more successive Doctors, friends and foes.

Liz Davies, Living Paintings Publishing Manager added:

“Few shows have such rich, visual history as Doctor Who. It’s been an honour to work with Louis in producing these fabulous new resources, helping blind and visually impaired people experience it – from the first doctor to the fourteenth. Beyond his incredible work raising the funds to make the project happen, he’s also been involved in the production process every step of the way. His wealth of knowledge and infectious passion has been invaluable to us. What we’ve created together has been a labour of love and we’re so incredibly proud to release it into the world during the show’s 60^th anniversary celebrations.”