Visually challenged students write exams on laptop

Shamshabad: Enjoying the distinction of being the only institute in the country that empowers visually-impaired students by making them adept in using modern technology, the Nethra Vidyalala Education for Blind has changed many lives for the better.

Highlights:

•    80% outgoing students secured jobs in government and private sector
•     Students have been key players in winning national level games
•     Institute instils a sense of confidence and equality for the visually-impaired

The institute provides education for blind and is a part of the Jeeyar Educational Trust (JET) founded by HH Sri Sri Sri Tridandi Chinna Srimannarayana Ramanuja Jeeyar Swamiji. They began in 2001 with the mission of to empower the visually challenged with latest technology and had 18 students enrolled there. Today, they serve more than 1,860 students.

What sets the institute apart from others is that it is completely English medium, and students of junior and senior college are provided training on how to use a laptop. Not only do they study on the personal computer, but they write their board exams on it as well, which they do without the help of scribes. It may be noted that the Intermediate Board provided permission for these students to write exam on laptops. 

Speaking to CityLife, a lecturer at the Vidyalaya, Santosh said that the volunteer organisation and a group of institutes are focused on providing assisted learning in India. He said that in Hyderabad Nethra Vidyalaya provides education of various courses including HEC and CEC in junior college and BA (HEP) and B Com (Comp) for senior college students with 25 experienced staff through laptop.

He said that it is the first institute in the world to provide blind children the opportunity to use a personal computer without any assistance. “It not only helps in their confidence, but equips them in being tech-savvy, which is a prerequisite in today’s world,” he said.

Santosh added that when students join the institute they are given training on a special software called ‘Screen Reading Software’ to hear the matter through headphones. With the help of this these blind students have secured positions in the government and many others are working in the corporate sector.