Ravenshaw to have computers for disabled

Ravenshaw University is set to equip its hostels with special computers with advanced technology for the disabled.

The computers would be installed in New Hostel and Devi Women’s Hostel within the next couple of months and gradually extended to others in a phased manner.

 The computer systems would not only have advanced software facilitating ease of use by the disabled, but also complemented by scanners and Braille printers.

 The university currently has around 96 students with disabilities with as many as 30 joining in this year. A welcome-cum-orientation programme was held for the new students for the first time on Wednesday  with Vice-Chancellor Prof B C Tripathy, Registrar P K Jena and State Coordinator for Differently-abled People S K Behera in attendance.

 The authorities interacted with the students and took note of their problems, both old and new, and assured them of taking urgent steps to solve them.

The students also raised the issue of lack of accommodation for them even as the authorities said every student would be provided with boarding facilities.  The decision to install special computers in hostels has been taken to alleviate the problems of the disabled students in accessing the facilities at the libraries round the clock, University Coordinator for Disabled Students Priyabrata Majhi said.

 The library has six computers with special software and allied hardware like scanners and Braille printers. But it is accessible to students from morning till 8 pm.

The systems are also set to be upgraded by installing Zoomax instant reader and scanner for converting text into audio and Duxberry software for converting text into regional languages as well as facilitating printing both in ink and Braille.

 The procurement process has been initiated and they would be installed soon, Majhi said.

The university has also pressed for formulation of a Sate Policy on Disabled and plans to host a National workshop on the issue in November.

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