Visually impaired students of Andhra Loyola College trained in assistive technology

The Higher Education for Persons with Special Needs (HEPSN) wing of Andhra Loyola College launched a three-day advanced digital training workshop for visually impaired students at the HEPSN Centre on Thursday. Organised in collaboration with Benetech–Bookshare, USA, the workshop will continue until October 24.

G. Kumaresan, Outreach and Training Coordinator (South India) of Benetech–Bookshare, highlighted the importance of assistive technology in making higher education more accessible. He said digital skills would help visually impaired students access academic resources independently, read accessible books and pursue their studies with confidence.

College Rector Fr. Royappa and Correspondent Fr. Francis Xavier extended their support to the initiative, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to inclusive and accessible education.

Twelve specialised laptops, sponsored by the Torchit Foundation, were distributed to visually impaired students. The devices are expected to help students write examinations and complete academic assignments independently, reducing their dependence on scribes.

The workshop features practical training sessions on screen-reading software, accessible reading tools and digital navigation platforms. Mr. Kumaresan, along with visually impaired co-trainers Prathusha and Nagababu, will guide participants through the hands-on sessions.

HEPSN Coordinator G. Sahaya Baskaran, supervised the arrangements with the support of student volunteers and Shaik Nasreen and Joe expressed gratitude to the college management, sponsors, trainers and participants.