Training Program at Vijaya Mary Integrated School for the Blind

From November 18 to 20, 2024, Vijaya Mary Integrated School for the Blind, in collaboration with Benetech Bookshare and mjunction services ltd , conducted a transformative Digital Literacy Skill Development Training Program at Carmel Nagar, Gunadala, Vijayawada. This initiative aimed to empower visually impaired (VI) students from grades 6 to 10 by equipping them with essential digital literacy skills, enabling them to read, write, and interact with their curriculum independently.

The Importance of Digital Literacy for Inclusion

Digital literacy is a gateway to independence and inclusivity for visually impaired students. By providing the tools and training to navigate digital devices and access educational content, this program fosters a more inclusive learning environment where VI students can engage with sighted peers confidently.

Program Highlights

The program was made possible through the generous support of mjunction services ltd , which provided mobiles, external keyboards, headsets, and mobility canes to the students. Benetech-Bookshare contributed by integrating accessible learning solutions into the training.

Day-Wise Training Activities

1. Orientation on Accessibility Tools and Devices

• mjunction distributed laptops to the participants.
• Trainers conducted an introductory session covering basic phone operations, accessibility tools, and their integration into daily learning.
• EnAble India trainers facilitated in-depth training sessions to ensure students mastered these tools over time.

2. True Inclusion in Education Teachers were trained to include visually impaired students alongside sighted peers using visual documents enhanced with audio descriptions. This method promotes collaborative learning and equal participation in the classroom.

3. Unpacking the Empower Kit Students explored the Empower Kit, learning how to utilize its contents for both educational and everyday activities.

4. Mastering TalkBack Gestures Students were introduced to essential TalkBack gestures, including:

• Unlocking phones.
• Navigating menus.
• Adjusting speech rate and volume.
• Reading text on-screen using TalkBack.

5. Accessing Books via Bookshare Teachers were guided through the process of:

• Logging into Bookshare.
• Downloading books using the EasyReader app.
• Customizing the app for low-vision users with features like text resizing, color themes, and background adjustments.

6. Independent Mobility Training The importance of mobility was emphasized through interactive sessions. Trainers shared real-world scenarios and personal experiences to help students understand the value of independent travel using a cane.

Valedictory Function: Celebrating Success

On the third day, the program concluded with a valedictory function where students shared their feedback. They expressed their excitement to apply the skills learned during the training in their daily lives. Teachers also shared their newfound confidence in creating an inclusive classroom environment for visually impaired students.

The enthusiasm and eagerness demonstrated by both students and teachers highlighted the program’s success in fostering independence and inclusivity.

Gratitude to Partners

This impactful training program was a reality thanks to mjunction services ltd ’s generous support and the accessible solutions provided by Benetech Bookshare. Together, these organizations are paving the way for inclusive education, bridging gaps, and empowering visually impaired students to thrive.

A Future of Possibilities The digital literacy training at Vijaya Mary Integrated School for the Blind marks a significant step toward creating an equitable educational experience for visually impaired students. With tools, training, and the support of partners like mjunction and Benetech-Bookshare, these students are now better equipped to achieve their academic and personal goals.