Folks: Appologies for the lengthy mail. A couple of weeks from now 'Sahana', a trust in Bangalore is holding its workshop to emphasise the importance of using Braille by the visually challenged, despite widespread availability of technology. I thought this could be a right occasion to write (in my newspaper) about how Braille teaching/learning and its wider use is fairing against the increasing number of accessible technology/devices. In this regard I would like you all to share your opinions or personal experience on Braille learning or use in your daily lives. Giving a few pointer below for you all to think. I request you to contribute to this topic with relevant and thought provoking messages, both for and against Braille. -The trustee Mr Varadarajan with whom I spoke, doesn't dismiss the prominent role technology is playing in making the VC employable and compete with others in the mainstream. But, he feels in the excitement created by computer/technology, promotion and retention of Braille as the primary medium of reading/writing for the VCs has been ignored or given second preference at best. Who is responsible for this? Do you think trainers neglect Braille or do you think the urgency they need to show in getting employment for the VCs justifies any neglect they may show towards Braille? -Though people like Mr Varadarajan have been stressing the importance of learning Braille, the wide ranging application of technology has virtually eliminated the need for the VCs to go through the pains of learning, or, writing in Braille. This, in many ways, is comparable to the so-called art of letter writing which is almost extinct thanks to PCs, laptops and mobilephones. So, do you think it is pratcial for the VCs to adopt to technology at the expense of Braille? -Of course, the fact remains that Braille is still relevant for 90 or more percent of VCs who have virtually no access to computer. But, given that NGOs and training institutes have started to address the access problem and, hopefully, in a few years time almost all VCs will have access, do you think Braille can be consigned safely to the museum? -There are also attempts to incorporate Braille in technologies with the advent of refreshable Braille systems, Braille keyboards and output devices. Given that this would still restrict communication only between the VCs and will not fully help interaction with others in the mainstream, can we still look Braille as the most relevant medium for us? (Please feel free to contribute your own views independent of these points) Regards, Subramani To unsubscribe send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the subject unsubscribe.
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