Introducing the concept of inclusive learning with the aid of modern technologies to visually challenged students, the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology, and Environment (KSCSTE) opened its first training unit under the Kerala State Centre for Assistive Technologies (KSCAT) at Farook College here on Saturday.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy dedicated the centre for learners. Minister for Education P.K. Abdu Rabb launched the KSCAT web portal. Minister for Panchayats M.K. Muneer, M.K. Raghavan, MP, and college Principal E.P. Imbichikoya were present.
The centre, equipped with modern computer facilities and software, will initially cater to 40 selected students 20 out of whom would be from other institutions. A trained team of teachers would come to the aid of the candidates.
Speaking to The Hindu on the occasion, V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai, Ex-Officio Principal Secretary of the Science and Technology Department, said the KSCSTE would consider more innovative projects for realising the inclusive learning concept, especially for the visually challenged.
“We have decided to push for the development of prototype gadgets that would come to the help of people in need of assistive technologies. We will be focussing on 25 engineering colleges in Kerala, for which the government has already given approval,” said Prof. Pillai.
A. Jijesh, the State coordinator of the project and is visually challenged, said a team of 250 trained resource persons would work under the project.
Hareesh Kotiyam, a visually-challenged professional and one of the board members of the KSCSTE, said the development of assistive technologies was proving to be a “stepping stone” for empowering the visually challenged. The KSCSTE will open four more KSCAT units on selected campuses shortly. The government will invest Rs.2.5 crore in this fiscal year to support the scheme.
