On World Braille Day, we’ve hand-picked a few sites, platforms and apps that offer useful reading resources for the visually challenged
Louis Braille, a French educator and inventor, was responsible for the reading and writing system used by visually impaired people. Pic Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons
Literature
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Saksham Trust: Started in 2003, this national award-winning NGO has been an impactful vehicle in providing the visually challenged with equal opportunities to hone their skills. Their impetus in enhancing their digital library, inclusive education initiatives, audio-descriptive film and cultural rights for visually impaired people and promotion of assisted technology and training have been a step in the right direction.
Log on to: saksham.org
White Print: Started by Upasana Makati in 2013, White Print is India’s first lifestyle magazine in Braille. It provides access to diverse Braille literature through articles on politics, travel, short stories, food and other topics. They have also entered into the children’s books sphere in Braille that opens a new window for young readers.
Log on to: whiteprint.in
Samarthanam Trust: Founded in 1997, Samarthanam is one of the largest working NGOs in India. It works for the empowerment of people with disabilities by providing diverse education options, accommodation, rehabilitation and even vocational training. Apart from providing access to Braille publications and audio technology alternatives, Samarthanam has started the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) to foster the game of cricket for visually impaired players across the country.
Log on to: samarthanam.org
Talking Book Project: This platform was started by the National Association for the Blind that has been at the forefront of providing accessibility and opportunity for the visually impaired in India. With an over 900-book-strong catalogue in English, Hindi and other languages it enables the visually challenged to access reading material including textbooks and research books across subjects that people may need during the course of their studies.
Log on to: nabindia.org
Technology
Braille is a form of written language in which characters are represented by patterns of raised dots that are felt with the fingertips
Be My Eyes: This free app connects blind and low-vision people with sighted volunteers and company representatives through a live video call for visual assistance. These sighted volunteers can lend their eyes to solve daily chores and help blind and low-vision people lead a more independent life.
Log on to: Apple or Android App Store
Seeing AI: It is a free app that narrates the world around, and is especially designed for the blind and the visually impaired community. It describes people, texts, objects and more with a voice-optimised AI that suits the user’s taste and preference.
Log on to: Apple or Android App Store
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