Braille Centre Inaugurated at Pondicherry University

Pondicherry University has set up the Louis Braille Centre for visually disabled students. The inaugural ceremony of the centre took place on March 30, 2017. Chief Minister of Pondicherry, Mr. Narayanasamy inaugurated the centre that has been set up at Anand Rangapillai Library of Pondicherry University.

R. Samyuktha, Librarian of the varsity revealed that there are various facilities at the centre that include both hardware and software techniques. The Louis Braille Centre of the Pondicherry University has the following types of equipment: -

• JAWS – Screen Reader Software
• Readit – Instant Reader
• Desktops with Audio Headphones
• Braille Typewriter
• Flatbed Scanners
• Refreshable Braille Display

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Earlier, all these facilities were set up at the library and now, these facilities have been moved to Louis Braille Centre. Apart from the facilities mentioned above, the following facilities are in the process of acquisition: -

• Large Keyboard
• Hindi OCR Software
• Tamil OCR Software
• Handle Magnifier
• Image Scanner
• Additional Desktops
• Instant Reader with Assistive Technology
• Single Sheet Braille Embosser

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The Louis Braille Centre of Pondicherry University will function in collaboration with Higher Education Centre for Special Needs or HEPSN of the varsity. The major objective of HEPSN and Louis Braille Centre is to create awareness among the visually challenged students regarding the latest equipment that are useful for educational purpose. Periodic training and workshops will be conducted to provide special services to the students with visual disabilities.

The varsity has been providing special services to visually challenged students since 2010. Anand Rangapillai Library was the first source for these students and now, Louis Braille Centre will provide the same and some value added services.