An exhibition on braille books, audio CDs and other tools that help the visually impaired was a big draw at the Government Vocational and Higher Secondary School, Manacaud, the main venue of the 16th Special School Arts Fest.
The stall was set up by the Government School for the Blind in a bid to raise awareness about the new facilities available for the visually challenged. ‘’The world of script for the visually impaired students is limited to six dots. Students can’t read the normal text, so we are providing the general texts in Braille Script and Audio CD’s (Recorded DVD’s) for the students from fifth standard to plus two,’’ said Thulaseedharan, headmaster, Government School for the Blind, Vazhuthacaud.
Braille books on basic English grammar, multiplication tables and abbreviations were on display at the stall, among others. These books are really a boon for the visually impaired students. The Government School for the Blind also released the audio CD for students studying in the school from fifth standard to plus two.
The Audio CDs are prepared with the help of volunteers, who read out the text, which is then recorded in the school’s studio. This helps the visually challenged students because, they have to attend regular schools after Class VII. The books and audio CDs were being sold relatively cheap, the highest price being Rs 30.
The CDs can be played with the help of a screen reading software. Nearly 100 students visited the exhibition and made purchases during the three-day special schools fest, according to the organisers. The school is also on the lookout for volunteers who can read out the texts and help record the books in the syllabus for the visually handicapped students.