About Blind Burners

Blind Burners is an international group of blind, low vision and sighted burners. Blind Burners is an international group of artists, performers, builders, filmmakers and game developers. We began life as a group of friends organising online parties during lockdown. We evolved an off-playa mission to create non-visual Virtual Reality experiences, and to facilitate delegations of blind game developers to industry conferences. Like many Burners, our work in the default world is inspired by the experiences and connections we create in the Black Rock Desert. We want to share this with more and more folks, artists, makers, advocates and curious folk, in disability communities in Nevada and beyond. In Black Rock City, we are based with Mobility Camp, a beautiful collective of folks pioneering accessibility at Burning Man.  

Core Design Principles

Our goal is to create a fully accessible camp experience that empowers our blind and low vision participants to lead, connect, and contribute creatively.

We’re currently working on our Reno-based Camp Container Project to store and transport camp infrastructure with accessibility at its core.

As well as customising the container, we hope to leverage the project itself, and its location in Reno, to nurture connections between local artists and makers, and folks in Nevada’s different disability groups.

Fundamental Design Commitment

We need the container to be designed so that we can independently and confidently access all the equipment and supplies. The layout must allow us to fully take on our roles as camp leads or supervisors—giving clear instructions to fellow campers about what to fetch, where to return items, what to clean, and how to keep the space organized and efficient.

Core Design Principles

– User-Centered Accessibility: We require a space where we can confidently navigate on our own. This means tactile cues, clear layouts, minimal obstacles, and intuitive organization that lets us use our other senses effectively.

– Modularity & Flexibility: The container should adapt to changing needs. Shelving, storage, and hanging systems should be adjustable or removable so we can organize things how it works best for the camp.

– Clear Pathways: We need a wide, clear central channel that lets us move large items—like golf carts or tricycles—and navigate safely and smoothly using our canes or guide dogs.

– Sensory Markers & Labels: Tactile labels, braille, or textured markers on shelves, hooks, and boxes help us identify where things are, so we don’t have to ask for help.

– Vertical Space Utilization: We want to control where vertical storage goes so we can easily reach everything. Ceiling rails to hang bikes and extra vertical storage for lighter items help keep the floor clear.

– Robust and Secure Storage: All equipment needs to be secure and rugged enough to survive transport and desert conditions. This includes welded shelving, strong straps, sturdy locks, and sealed containers for delicate items like our sculptural models.

– Lighting & Safety: Good lighting inside supports us and others when needed, especially motion-sensor or automatic lights that turn on without extra effort.

– Ease of Loading & Unloading: Storage should be quick and easy to access. Shelves shouldn’t be too deep or high to reach comfortably, and frequently used items need dedicated spaces for efficiency.

– Durability & Maintenance: Materials and finishes should withstand dust, moisture, and rough use typical of desert environments.

– Inclusivity Across Disabilities: While our needs as blind camp leads are central, the design should also consider other disabilities—like physical access and wheelchair users—so the container encourages interaction with the broader disability community.

– Naming Conventions: It’s important that we have clear, shared language for all locations and items in the container. It’s okay to use informal names like “Black and Yellows” for storage bins, as long as everyone understands them clearly.

– Collaboration & Feedback: We want to be involved in the design and testing to make sure the space truly meets our needs and empowers our community.

Find Out More

You can review our “work in progress” planning documents here.