Jadavpur University's library for visually challenged turns ‘barrier-free'
In a stride toward inclusive education, Jadavpur University has taken a major leap forward for its visually challenged students.
While the university had already established its Accessible Library back in 2018 with institutional funding, this year it has transformed into a more advanced and inclusive space—what many now proudly call a 'Barrier-Free Library.'
Previously, the library depended heavily on audiobooks. However, the time-consuming process of producing these made it difficult to keep up with students' academic demands. This transformative step came with the support of the Rotary Foundation and includes a range of imported assistive instruments aimed at enhancing learning experiences for students with visual challenges.
One of the most remarkable upgrades is the introduction of high-end technological aids such as two embossers, an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) camera, Braille eMotion tools, and low vision cameras. The library has also been physically expanded, with rooms being extended to accommodate more students. Additionally, e-books are now being developed in accessible formats, making them usable for both visually challenged and sighted students.
Subhadip Mondol, a postgraduate student of Bengali and member of the university's Forum for Students with Disabilities (FSD JU) emphasised the 'life-changing' impact of these developments. 'This helped the students who are disabled and gave them a chance to get an exposure in their education with the help of this advanced technology,' he shared.
Echoing Subhadip's sentiments, Monojit Ram, a PhD scholar in Bengali from the university, said, 'This accessible library was there in this university, but the advanced equipment which has been brought recently has made the library more friendly for visually challenged people and have never made them be in the back row of the education.'
As this inclusive model continues to grow, its users believe it stands as a beacon of what can be achieved when institutions prioritise accessibility, empathy, and innovation.
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