World Braille Day: How technology is ensuring equal access to education for learners with visual impairments

Introduction 

Every year, 4^th January is internationally observed as World Braille Day, in honor of Louis Braille, who invented the Braille system that has helped educate people with visual impairments. Louis Braille was a French educator who was blinded at the age of 3. Realizing the importance of educating himself and others with visual impairments, Louis Braille invented a 6-dot fingertip reading system when he was only 15 years old. Today, the Braille system is used worldwide by visually impaired persons to read text. Braille is recognized as a means of communication for people with visual impairments. The Braille system is included in the Convention on the Rights of Persons and Disabilities. Braille codes are currently available in 133 languages.  

According to a 2022 report, 8 million people in India are blind or are suffering from visual impairment, the highest number any country has in the world. It is important that they all have equal access to education and jobs.  

The barriers  

Learners with visual impairments face several hurdles while attending school/college like anybody else. Unfortunately, many educational institutions aren’t well equipped to cater to students with visual disparities. Firstly, they require Braille printed books to learn. If not books in Braille, they require audio books to help them study. Secondly, some students might need extra attention, which means more effort from teachers and professors.  

The digital intervention 

While Braille came to be the only savior before the advent of technology, today, the internet is playing a key role in bridging inequalities. While technology has brought about positive transformations across sectors, education is no exception. Technological interventions in the education sector have transformed the lives of many learners who were not able to go to school or university physically. The dawn of the internet has changed the lives of students and learners with visual impairments.  

Technology is helping several learners with visual impairments pursue their dreams through online learning. While online learning comes with its own benefits, it caters to learners from diverse backgrounds and learners with disabilities. Advanced technology like artificial intelligence is making online learning more engaging. Various audio features can be used to improve the learning experience of visually impaired students. Let’s look at how online learning is helping visually impaired students today. 

Accessibility: The greatest barrier to students with visual impairments is travelling to school or university to attend classes. Learners can attend classes from the comfort of their homes and listen to lectures at any given time in the day.  

Advanced technology: Several universities have collaborated with EdTech players to improve the online learning experience overall. This has improved opportunities for learners with disabilities, who can choose to learn through various technological elements.  

Inclusivity: The aim for inclusion of technology in education is to put an end to existing inequalities. While studying online from home, students with visual impairments can interact with their peers and professors, which makes them feel included. They can overcome apprehensions of being singled out in a physical classroom setting.  

The Online Manipal advantage 

You can pursue your online degree from some of India’s premium institutions and universities including Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and T. A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI) through Online Manipal. Online Manipal brings together the necessary technology to provide a hassle-free online learning environment for students. Here’s how Online Manipal is catering to learners with visual impairments.  

Audio based content: Students with visual impairments can access audio content through an enhanced digital learning platform. They can revisit the content multiple times and the platform is enabled to run on low bandwidth as well.  

Assignment submission in the form of audio: A key feature of Online Manipal, students with visual impairments can submit their assignments in the form of audio, video or typed content. Students with visual impairments can either submit an audio version of their assignment or take someone’s help and record a video.  

Scribe assistance during examination: Online Manipal provides scribe assistance to students with visual impairments during examinations.  

Moreover, Online Manipal offers easy financing options and scholarships for learners with disabilities. This helps them pursue their degree without financial constraints.