The University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked the colleges and universities to adopt and develop appropriate educational resources for students with vision disabilities.
The UGC, which regulates higher education in India, has advised that all universities should adopt suitable educational resources, including Braille-print books, large print books, tactile books, and audiobooks, and adopt assistive devices to meet students needs equitable access to the curriculum.
In a notice released on January 20, the UGC addressed Vice-Chancellors of all universities and Principals of all colleges to do the needful.
Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi, launched an initiative called Aarohan, with Saksham. The initiative enables the college to provide assistance devices to students who are blind or have low vision. QR codes were printed on acrylic sheets all over the campus, which allowed users easy access to the app, and students were also counselled and trained on how to use the devices.
Accessibility is still a major issue faced by students with vision disabilities in colleges and universities in India. Many students have been demanding better infrastructure and accessibility, especially at Delhi University. Laptops, Braille books, digital recorders, or daisy players are significant to ensure students with vision disabilities are not left out of the curriculum.
