Public Awareness Programs Regarding Braille Script organized by National Institutions and Overall Regional Centers of DEPwD on International Braille Day
By PIB Delhi
On January 4, in commemoration of International Braille Day, various National institutions and Comprehensive Regional Centers under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities organized extensive awareness programmes focused on Braille literacy.
In celebration of International Braille Day, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, in collaboration with multiple National Institutions, Comprehensive Regional Centers (CRCs), and various non-governmental organizations, conducted numerous programmes on January 4. The initiatives aimed to enhance the capabilities of visually impaired and divyangjan individuals, fostering self-reliance.
In Chennai, the National Institute for Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD) organized slogan competitions, poster competitions, and various games at the St. Louis School in Adyar to mark the occasion of International Braille Day.
Simultaneously in Hyderabad, NIEPMD conducted several programmes to increase public awareness about Braille. A sensitization program, where individuals wore blindfolds to experience mobility without sight, was organized, emphasizing empathy and understanding towards visually impaired individuals. Furthermore, an online national webinar on promoting Braille literacy attracted around 150 participants from across the country.
The National Institute for Loco motor Disabilities (NILD) in Kolkata hosted Braille writing and reading competitions for visually impaired individuals.
In Kanpur, Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) and the Prime Minister’s Disability Assistance Centers distributed indigenous assistive devices such as the ‘Sugamya’ cane and Braille kits under the ADIP scheme.
Moreover, CRC Gorakhpur organized a day-long awareness program on empowerment through inclusion and diversity. CRC Andaman and Nicobar Islands conducted a unified English Braille Grade 1 workshop on Braille Day. CRC Lucknow organized a programme focusing on English Braille literacy, writing, and reading awareness.
Finally, CRC Srinagar commemorated International Braille Day with discussions on Braille education, adaptation, and dynamism. During the program, smart phones and white canes were distributed with the assistance of RRC ALIMCO Srinagar.
These initiatives collectively contribute to raising awareness about Braille, promoting literacy, and empowering visually impaired individuals across the nation.
