The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Insufficiency of texts in Braille, an impediment

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Sunday, Jan 04, 2009
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Insufficiency of texts in Braille, an impediment

Meera Srinivasan

January 4 marks 200th anniversary of birth of Louis Braille

CHENNAI: On Sunday, persons with visual impairment will fondly remember someone whose contribution they truly value. January 4 marks the 200th anniversary of birth of Louis Braille.

While Braille itself is well over a century-old, the availability of texts in Braille here continues to be limited to a few textbooks, religious books and a few other titles, say persons who are visually impaired. President of the College Students and Graduates Association of the Blind P. Ponmudi says that for students, the choice and availability of textbooks is very less. “There are very helpful friends who read out text for us, but nothing like reading something yourself at a convenient time and place,” he says. This, however, is not possible for many visually impaired students and professionals, as there are not too many books available in Braille. “Now we have facilities like computerised Braille printing. However, printing one page, say of A4 size, could cost around Rs. 10. How many can afford this?” he asks.

Public-private partnerships

The State government’s Braille printing press in Poonamallee has not been functioning for a while now. When contacted, State Commissioner for Disability Meenakshi Rajagopal says: “We are at it. We will do the needful to ensure it is functional soon.”

The government is also in the process of finalising partnership with a few private agencies that have relevant software that helps translate English and Tamil into Braille, she says, adding: “Once we have something like that, we will provide the facility to all schools for the visually impaired.”

The State Government has planned several events in connection with the birth anniversary of Louis Braille, she added.

The paucity of text in Braille seems to be forcing those with visual impairment to consider other options. C. Govindakrishnan, founder of non-governmental organisation Nethrodaya, says that while Braille is a wonderful tool, there are issues such as cost and size.

Earlier this month, Nethrodaya launched audio textbooks for students in classes X and XII.

“Listening may be a different experience from reading, but if it serves the practical purpose of access to information, why not use audio books?” he asks. Persons who encounter visual impairment in their adulthood may not know Braille and may not have the inclination to learn it at that point. “Audio books will prove very useful to them.”

The entry of software such as Jaws has enabled easier access to the computer. “The software translates text to sound and with this tool, persons with visual impairment have a range of career opportunities,” Mr. Govindakrishnan says.

Mr. Ponmudi said the State Government’s decision to appoint teachers with visual impairment was a very significant move. “We are really grateful. If everyone is more sensitive to persons with disability, we can easily be part of mainstream society. Things like helping such a person cross a road should come naturally,” he said.

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