Resurgence for Braille

“A buoy of light in the ocean of darkness”

A major section of the Indian education system for the sightless includes Braille. All subjects whether theory or practical are preached using Braille. However, according to the feature in Census 2011, more than 45% of the disabled people in India are illiterate. For the visually impaired people, the most pertinent reason behind this illiteracy is discomfort and incompatibility of people with Braille. A survey held in NAB-National Association for the Blind revealed 88%of their students were vexed with Braille. The notable failures of Braille include slower reading speed, delayed information i.e. daily and current brailed information is not readily available, Braille materials are expensive to produce hence the cost is kept high which makes it unaffordable. Braille also becomes irrelevant for many individuals with physical disability.

Now that the entire world is advancing technologically, the need for insertion of digital changes in the educational system for the blind are of high priority. What is necessary? Bringing forward and developing a software that helps a child with visual impairment or cerebral palsy learn methodically, constructively and smoothly. The software should facilitate accepting inputs given through speech. The main idea is centred on the concept of audible screens and keyboards. They have screen reading systems to read different books and daily updated news. It will be designed around the QWERTY keyboard so that the software is compatible with all computers.

Most blind children fall victim to depression and frustration as they don’t have any access to any information without Braille. I feel while we have the resources and potential, we should try to make the world a better place for them. Together we can show them that there can be vision without sight.

A literature review by Chinica Madurkar

cover source: mhpbooks.com