Now, smart classrooms for the visually challenged.

Keltron sets up classrooms at ₹2.25 lakh each at Government School for the Visually Impaired

Two smart classrooms set up at the Government School for the Visually Impaired at Vazhuthacaud here have raised the hopes of improving standards at the school and transforming it into a centre of excellence.

The classrooms have been set up by Keltron at a cost of ₹2.25 lakh each, utilising funds from the local area development fund of Richard Hay, MP. The facilities include an LCD projector, screen, UPS, and educational software that uses audio. The classrooms, the school authorities feel, are just the first of the facilities required by the school in its pursuit of excellence. A vision paper submitted to the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) moots linkage with other schools for the visually impaired for sharing of resources. The proposal, it is learnt, has been forwarded to the Chief Minister’s Office by the SCERT.

Sensory training is key

The school is keen on a pre-primary section. School headmaster Abdul Hakim says that visually challenged children had to become independent early, but few parents are aware of this. “If they can be given various equipment early and taught to do things on their own at the pre-primary level, they will benefit a lot. Sensory training can also be provided at this stage.”

The school has submitted a proposal to the government for being upgraded to a high school. At present, visually impaired students from classes 1 to 7 study here. Students from classes 8 to 12 attend regular school while being put up at the hostel here.

“Parents are often unhappy that their wards attending regular schools do not get to take part in educational activities there. We want this to be made a high school so that children gain from the experience of trained teachers. The proposal has been submitted to the Chief Minister and the Education Minister.”

The school is also awaiting approval for conducting a Statewide sports meet for visually challenged students.

Proposal submitted

The school has submitted a proposal to the State Institute of Educational Technology (SIET) for using the services of professionals in its Talking Book studio. At present, NSS volunteers record textbooks not available in Braille into CDs for use in schools for the visually impaired. “The use of readers from All India Radio or Doordarshan for recording will give the CDs a professional touch and benefit students across the State,” Mr. Hakim says.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/now-smart-classrooms-for-the-visually-challenged/article25528481.ece