UGC Asks Universities to Provide Devices for Visually Impaired Students

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has requested all the universities to provide educational resources accessible to visually challenged students. Furthermore, UGC asked universities to develop and adopt Braille-print and tactile books for visually impaired students. Also, they requested the universities to create audiobooks and other assistive devices for the curriculum.

In the latest notice, the UGC said, “It is advised that all universities should develop/adopt suitable educational resources like Braille-print books, large print books, tactile books, audiobooks, and such other assistive devices which better meet the needs of visual impairments for equitable access to the curriculum”. Previously, Delhi University’s Kirori Mal College, in September 2021 launched an initiative to assist visually-challenged students in pursuing higher education. They had titled the initiative “Aarohan” in collaboration with an NGO called Saksham.

UGC further said, “Such educational resources, as far as possible, should be uploaded on the website of the university also and made freely available”. Also, UGC recently asked all institutions to promote Pariksha Pe Charcha 2022, an interactive programme by PM Narendra Modi. Officials have scheduled to conduct the programme in February. Moreover, authorities have extended Pariksha Pe Charcha 2022 registration date to 27 January. Therefore, interested students of classes 9 to 12, parents, and teachers can apply for the same on the website, mygov.in.