Dated January 14, 2004
The Times of India

The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and Webel Mediatronics Ltd. of Kolkata have developed a computerized Braille transcription system that enables the visually challenged to read, write and print.

"The system can now support 12 Indian languages. We have also successfully integrated an audio component into the software. With this a blind person will be able to listen to what he is typing as the system keeps reading the text on the screen as he types," a C-DAC official said.

The partner companies have also redesigned the entire range of computer peripherals, including the keyboard and printer, for the benefit of the visually challenged.

"While the entire range of products and software is changing the way a blind person can access a PC, the Braille printer has become an important product in realizing a visually challenged person's dream.

The printer is a PC-based embosser, which can convert text to Braille or Braille to text. Efforts are also on to print graphics on the printer so that a blind person will be able to touch and feel the shape of a picture to know what it is," the C-DAC official said.

"This is a program aimed at making technology useful to everyone in society including the visually challenged,'' Information Technology Minister Shri. Arun Shourie told The Times of India. The technology is being tested at five resource centres in India, one of them being the Government High School for Blind Girls at Malakpet in Hyderabad.

"We are training 166 students on the technology. It is helping the students to learn quickly. It is also making things easier for the trainers to teach various subjects using the printer and the software," said P. Ragini, a Braille trainer at the school.

Tact Braille is a PC-based touch-reading device. Braille Writer has a Braille keyboard. There's an audio device that reads out aloud what the visually challenged user writes Text to Braille converts text files into Braille script Braille Printer embosses conventional text into Braille and vice versa. Soon it can also print graphics in Braille.

By: K.V. Ramana