Braille Textbooks for Intermediate, Degree Courses Soon
Until now, Braille editions were available only up to Class X. Plans are also underway to extend free bus passes to all specially-abled persons.
Hyderabad: In a major step to encourage visually impaired students to pursue higher education, the State government has decided to provide intermediate and degree textbooks in Braille. Until now, Braille editions were available only up to Class X. Plans are also underway to extend free bus passes to all specially-abled persons.
The announcement was made by minister for SC, ST and persons with disabilities welfare, Adluri Laxman, at the 217th birth anniversary celebrations of Louis Braille organised by the government on Sunday.
Laxman noted that many visually impaired students were forced to discontinue studies after Class X due to the non-availability of Braille textbooks. He said discussions with officials had already been held and assured that steps were being initiated to make textbooks available at the intermediate and degree levels.
Responding to a request for free bus travel for persons with disabilities, the minister immediately spoke to transport minister Ponnam Prabhakar, who promised to examine the proposal and make a decision.
Paying floral tributes to Louis Braille, Laxman described him as a visionary who “transformed blindness into opportunity.” He added: “Louis Braille was not merely an individual, but a movement that illuminated lives far beyond the visually impaired community.”
On the occasion, the minister released a New Year calendar printed in Braille — the first such calendar published since the formation of the State. Designed for accessibility, it caters to both visually impaired persons and the general public.
Laxman further assured specially-abled persons that issues relating to employment, reservations, job security and staff welfare would be addressed through structured discussions and policy decisions.
Senior officials including separtment secretary Anita Ramachandran, director Shailaja Ramaiyer, and Telangana Vikalangula Co-operative Corporation chairman M. Veeraiah also participated.
