Assistive
Technology Helpline
A Telephone & E-Mail based service
for providing guidance and
solutions on the different aspects of Assistive Technology closely linked with
empowerment of visually impaired persons.
National Association
for the Blind is delighted to announce the launch of this service.
Beneficiaries
· Blind persons
· Persons with low
vision
· Parents/family/friends of visually impaired persons
· Employers of visually impaired
persons
· Organisations working with/for
visually impaired persons
Assistive Technology
has revolutionised the lives of visually impaired persons. Not only has it
given access to computers and all its advantages, it has led to the development
of several special devices which together have gone a long way in overcoming
the handicaps caused by loss of vision.
Computers are now an
excellent tool for blind persons. It enables blind persons to access the
information in the same format as used by the non-blind persons.
This has brought
about a drastic change in the lives of visually impaired persons, who
traditionally had access to information through Braille or audio only. This has
had revolutionary consequences like Opening of new disciplines of education for
blind persons, increased employability, and independence in reading and writing
for various educational, vocational and recreational activities. In addition to
the computers, assistive devices such as Braille Displays, Portable Note
takers, digital recorders, talking books, e-books, talking cell phones etc enable persons with blindness to send
and receive E-ails, browse net, read books, create their own documents, work on
spreadsheets & accounting package, read newspaper & magazines.
Therefore it is
imperative that an effort is made towards spreading awareness about the
existence and advantages of assistive technology & Solving
all problems related with use of assistive technology.
The
Service
Anyone can call or email their queries. People
can also visit the Helpline Desk within NAB premises or can even send their
queries through post. The Assistive Technology Helpline team supported by the
NAB Technology Training Centre Faculty will resolve the callers
problems. As far as possible, the team will provide solution at the same time
or else will give a timeline after which the caller will be given the solution.
The helpline will offer help on the following
subjects -
· Counselling on assistive technology
and advising vision impaired users on which IT tools will be best for them.
· Troubleshooting problems of visually
impaired persons in use of assistive technology such as problems related to
operation of
ü Screen Reading Software
ü Screen Magnification Software
ü Optical Recognition
ü
ü Commonly used applications such as word
processors & spreadsheets
· Consultancy
to employers and individuals wanting to buy and install computers and other
hardware and software that are accessible to blind people.
· Disseminate information about the
various training courses available in the country in the field of assistive
technology
· Provide support to trainers and provide
technical support for anyone wanting to set up computer training centres/study rooms anywhere in the
country
· Propagate “DAISY Standards” and
provide technical help in its implementation. The “DAISY Standards” have now
been accepted worldwide as the “
· Consultancy for improving accessibility of
websites.
· Provide information about the job avenues in the field of technology for blind persons
Helpline Contact Details:
Assistive Technology Helpline
National Association for the Blind
Sec-5, R. K. Puram, New Delhi-110022
Phone Numbers:
Country code: 0091 City code: 011
64 55 6968
26 16 8321, 26 10 5794,
26 10 2944, 26 17 6379
Email: NabHelpline@gmail.com
Fax: +91-11-26187650
Website: www.nabdelhi.org
Project supported by
HPS Social Welfare Foundation