An IT-based audio visual lab for visually impaired people will be opened by Chatrapati Shahuji Maharaj University on Tuesday. The initiative is a part of the celebrations of the convocation week that starts from Tuesday. On December 23rd, the 28th convocation ceremony will be conducted in CSJM University's auditorium. Vice chancellor, Prof Ashok Kumar will inaugurate the audio visual lab, which is made in the university's central library. The needs of visually impaired people will be catered by the lab.
The lab has serviceable hardware and software technologies for reading, writing and learning experience for students who are visually impaired. The technology converts print and electronic text in to voice and Braille vice-versa. Menu driven and user friendly features are included in the software. Basic knowledge of Braille is the only requirement needed to operate it. Texts in Indian language is converted into corresponding Braille by the software. Informed Prof Ashok Kumar while addressing the reporters. He claimed that it is the first such laboratory in the state universities.
The blind person can hear all the matter displayed on the screen with the help of the screen reading software.
He said that the software was not developed by the university, however, the it has established a lab where this facility can be made use of by a person who is visually impaired. Students of university, degree colleges, schools and others including those who are not a part of the university can use this facility free of cost.