National Association for the Blind, Delhi opens a Science Lab for visually impaired school going students
A state of the art Science Lab for visually impaired students going to schools has opened in Delhi. The Science Lab is at the office of the National Association for the Blind, Delhi. This is a CSR initiative of Ayurvet Ltd.
Blind and low vision students in India lack opportunities to study science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The barriers are lack of accessible teaching materials and inadequate skilled teachers. Even blind schools do not encourage students to pursue them in higher classes.
This is a major accessibility barrier the National Association for the Blind (NAB), Delhi is seeking to address in many ways. The latest initiative is a Science Lab that has been set up. This is in partnership with Ayurvet Ltd, which is one of India’s leading animal care companies specialising in 100% natural and safe herbal products.
Access to current technologies
The Science Lab claims to offer a unique set up that does not exist in many institutions for visually impaired people in the world. The NAB Science Lab has the latest 3D models, tactile diagrams, electronic gadgets and books. It aims to help develop a scientific thinking among visually impaired students. Learning basic science concepts is important to take the competitive exams. It will also open up greater employment avenues.
NAB Delhi and Ayurvet want to create greater awareness about the capabilities of disabled people. Proper support, training, and access to the assistive technologies will enable them to become contributing citizens.
Most schools for blind children ask them not to take up science after class 8. We want to change this. At the Science Lab, technologies and devices available in India have been brought under one roof. We want to ensure these children have equal opportunities. – Prashant Ranjan Verma, General Secretary, National Association for the Blind, Delhi
Institutions working for the blind, teachers, parents, and blind students are welcome to use the Science Lab, adds Verma. They will have to take prior appointment by calling the NAB Delhi office.
Ankita Gulati, the innovator behind Touch Vision, looks forward to demonstrating her device at the NAB Science Lab. The device narrates the content in pictures to visually impaired people. “I think the Science Lab is a wonderful idea. Access to all the latest tactile gadgets and technologies will open new doors for visually impaired students. I look forward to demonstrating Touch Vision at the lab”.
Contact NAB Delhi at 011 – 26176379, 011- 26102944, or +91 88262-60010 to book an appointment to visit the Science Lab.
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