Thu Jan 09 13:29:20 UTC 2025: ## Tiruchi University Empowers Visually Impaired Students with Digital Skills

**Tiruchi, Tamil Nadu, January 9, 2025** – Bharathidasan University’s Centre for Differently Abled Persons (CDAP) is equipping visually impaired students with crucial digital literacy skills, aiming to enhance their employment prospects. The initiative, which began with a “talking digital library” in 2011, now offers comprehensive training using open-source software like NVDA and assistive technologies such as magnifiers and reading machines.

This year, CDAP’s program expands to include students from Class VI onwards at the Government Higher Secondary School for Blind Girls in Tiruchi, and will mentor students at the Dolours School for the Deaf. The focus is on developing both computer literacy and employability skills, enabling students to compete in the job market. The centre purposefully avoids specialized keyboards, emphasizing independent working skills essential for government and private sector employment.

According to M. Prabhavati, Associate Professor and Director (in-charge) of CDAP, the program aims to move beyond the limited employment opportunities traditionally offered to visually impaired individuals. She highlighted the success of past students in securing employment at major companies, demonstrating the effectiveness of the training. CDAP also trains teachers from mainstream institutions in inclusive teaching methods. The centre offers various degree and diploma programs catering to students with visual and hearing disabilities.

Read More