Jadavpur University unveils new accessible library for visually impaired students with Rs 40 lakh upgrade

[Dr. U. PRAMANATHAN]

Jadavpur University unveils new accessible library for visually impaired students with Rs 40 lakh upgrade

Jadavpur University has significantly enhanced its library facilities for visually impaired students with a Rs 40 lakh upgrade. This initiative, funded by Rotary International and alumni, provides advanced tools and resources, benefiting 150 JU students and others. The upgraded library features Braille displays, scanners, audiobook players, and improved accessibility, addressing previous limitations and fostering inclusive education.

KOLKATA: Jadavpur University has launched a major initiative to enhance its library facilities for visually impaired students, demonstrating its commitment to inclusive education.

The comprehensive upgrade, costing Rs 40 lakh, will benefit 150 visually impaired students at JU, with access extended to students from other institutions. The facility incorporates advanced tools suitable for both visually impaired and low-vision users.

The facility's history traces to 2004 when prof Sajni Mukherjee established a special needs cell, later designated as HEPSN cell in 2010. In 2018, under prof Suranjan Das's leadership, the university established a Centre for Persons with Disability and an Accessible Library in the Central Library's annex building, offering Braille books, audiobooks, and accessible e-books.

Space limitations and outdated equipment were previous concerns. "There was just one 600 sq ft room with three PCs, a table and three cubicles to make audiobooks. The Braille embosser that is used to print Braille material was also stationed there. While it was difficult for multiple students to study at the same time given that they usually have a reader or listen to audio material, when the Braille embosser functioned which was often, it was virtually impossible to study as it made a lot of noise. There was a long-standing demand for a separate reading room and we have been able to provide a separate 700 sq ft space in the annex building where 20 students can study at a time," explained Bijoy Panda, associate professor in Education at JU and Centre for Person with Disability member, alongside prof Selim Box Mandal, prof Rajyeshwar Sinha and prof Amrita Basu.

Pro VC Amitava Datta initiated contact with Global JU Alumni Foundation, resulting in Rotary International funding of Rs 40 lakh through Kolkata Rotary units, creating study space for 20 students.

"At Jadavpur University, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment that empowers all students to reach their full potential. The upgrade of our Accessible Library is a significant step towards this goal, and we are grateful to Rotary and Alumni for their support in making this vision a reality," said Datta.

The project materialised through collaboration between Rotary International units from Kolkata and California, with funding from approximately 20 JU alumni associated with Global Jadavpur University Alumni Foundation, US, and JU Alumni Association, Georgia, US.

The upgraded facility can now produce 15-20 audiobooks annually, up from two previously.

"The new library will have Braille e-motion displays with Hindi and English speech output; Readit Zen Max scanners and magnifiers; Evo Daisy audiobook players; Dolphin publisher software; Basic-D D5 Braille embosser; GoVision Pro & Nikki video magnifiers, Sparsha transliteration software; and Canon multifunction and large-format printers," detailed Vishnu Dhandhania of Rotary Club Belur, collaborating with Rajit Chakravorti of Rotary Club of Danville San Ramon, California.

Improvements include a unisex accessible restroom, tactile ramps, safety railings, soundproof recording rooms, a digital reading room for 20 students, and Braille signage throughout.

Bengali PhD student Manjit Kumar Ram welcomed the improvements, noting the new Braille printers would resolve current note-taking challenges, while GoVision would assist low-vision students with reading.

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