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
• 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
• Screen Reading Software
• Screen Magnification Software
• Optical Recognition
• Phone Accessibility
• Commonly used applications such as word
• 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 in the country
• Propagate "DAISY Standards" and provide technical help in its implementation.
• Consultancy for improving accessibility of websites
• Provide information about the job avenues in the field of technology for blind persons

SMS Service

Apart from disseminating information through our Helpline service, NAB Delhi have also started SMS alerts, in which the subscribers will receive information about new technologies, upcoming jobs, trainings etc through sms sent by NAB helpline team. Interested persons can subscribe to the service by following the simple steps mentioned below.

1. By sending an sms: You can subscribe to the service simply by sending an sms to 9870807070. Write "ON NAB_Helpline". (You are requested not to add quotation mark in your message. You will be charge the rate of local sms once for subscribing the service).
2. Through Web: You can also subscribe to the service by visiting the link "subscribe to NAB_Helpline" After entering your gmail ID and password just hit ENTER on "yes" to confirm your request.

previous messages

Now users can view previously sent sms by visiting following links. Sms sent in 2009
January to August 2010

Mobile Accessibility

With the advancement in technology, it has become very easy for a visually impaired to handel a mobile without any sited's assistance and a person with no vision also can use all the features of a mobile like others.

There are various softwares like Nuance Talks and Mobile Speak which converts the text of a mobile screen into a synthehtic voice, which enables a blind person to send sms, to know the miss calls, and to find out the number of any person stored in his/her mobile. for the list of compatible mobiles visit Talks and Mobile Speak supported handsets

Easy Bus Access

NAB Delhi along with IIT Delhi have taken initiative for developing a system to identify buses at stop. To know more about the product and to fill the feedback form please visit "public transport system" page.

Cheque Printing Templates

The templates were designed by Prashant Ranjan Verma. They are now available on his website - www.prashant.myehome.in.

Railway Reservation Form Template

This template is also now available on Prashant's website - www.prashant.myehome.in.

Download Accessible Organizer Software

Azz Cardfile is simple and powerful, totally customizable organizer software without predefined fields, it can be set to specific use as Address Book & much more....

Helpline Contact Details:

Assistive Technology Helpline
National Association For The Blind
Sector-V, R.K. Puram
New Delhi-110022
Phone:64 55 6968 26 10 2944,Ext-117, 119, 770
Fax: 91-11-26187650

Email: helpline@nabdelhi.org