“There is no greater disability in society than the inability to see a person as more.” -Robert M.Hansel
Disability is merely a mindset, and there is an urgent need to make a change. A vision to change mindset and to view the infrastructural facilities available for the children with special abilities, Gitarattan Institute of Advanced Studies and Training organized a visit to All India Confederation of the Blind on 02.06.2023.
A highly progressive special school for blind children in a typically rural environment, a Resource Center with a Science Lab, a Touch-and-tell museum, a Geography room and a well-established Braille Book Library so rare elsewhere in the country, a wealth of cultural and co-curricular activities, "Centre of Excellence" (Computer training for children) from Class 2, Indoor and outdoor games.
The students of Bachelor of Education, 2nd year from Gitarattan Institute of Advanced Studies and Training were Taken to the All India Confederation of the Blind, Rohini, Sector -5. They were inspired as the students were encouraged how the children with visual impairment worked vigorously. They were also provided with Braille Stenography and Computer Training courses, Crisis Management Unit for helping recently blinded persons to overcome the retarding effects of their visual disability.
The visit to the All India Confederation of the Blind, gave the students an opportunity to understand the challenges faced by the visually impaired and striving towards a better future. It also provided a vision to the student-teachers of the inclusive practices in the school. During the visit, the pupil-teachers had the opportunity to interact with representatives from the AICB and engage in various activities aimed at fostering understanding and empathy. The pupil-teachers had the opportunity to interact with visually impaired individuals of different age groups. They engaged in discussions about their personal experiences, educational challenges, and aspirations. These interactions provided valuable insights into the unique needs of visually impaired students and the importance of inclusive education.
The AICB showcased a range of assistive technologies designed to enhance the learning experience for visually impaired individuals. The pupil-teachers received demonstrations of screen readers, Braille devices, accessible educational materials, and other tools that facilitate independent learning. The pupil-teachers were given a tour of the AICB's resource center, which houses a library of Braille books, audio books, and other educational resources. They learned about the process of producing accessible materials and the
challenges involved in making educational content inclusive for visually impaired students.
The visit to the All India Confederation of the Blind proved to be an eye-opening experience for the pupil-teachers. They gained several key insights and learnings, including:
a. Understanding the challenges: The teachers developed a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals in accessing education and the need for inclusive practices.
b. Importance of assistive technology: They realized the significance of assistive technologies in facilitating equal learning opportunities for visually impaired students.
c. Empathy and sensitivity: The sensitization workshop and interactions with visually impaired individuals helped the teachers cultivate empathy, sensitivity, and a greater awareness of the needs and capabilities of blind students.
d. Collaboration and support: The visit encouraged the teachers to explore collaborative opportunities with the AICB and other organizations working in the field of inclusive education. They recognized the importance of networking and sharing best practices.
The visit to the All India Confederation of the Blind was a valuable and enlightening experience for the pupil-teachers. It deepened their understanding of the challenges faced by visually impaired individuals and inspired them to take proactive measures to ensure inclusive education for all students. The insights gained from the visit will help them create a more inclusive learning environment and provide better support to visually impaired students in their own educational institution. They expressed their gratitude to the All India Confederation of the Blind for their hospitality, insights, and for organizing such an informative visit. They look forward to maintaining a collaborative relationship and implementing the knowledge gained to make a positive impact on the education of visually impaired students.
