Visually impaired students of Andhra Loyola College trained in assistive technology

Special laptops were given to visually impaired students at a workshop at Andhra Loyola College in Vijayawada on Thursday. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

The Department of Higher Education for Persons with Special Needs (HEPSN) of Andhra Loyola College launched a three-day advanced digital training workshop for visually impaired students at the HEPSN center on Thursday. The workshop, organized in cooperation with Benetech–Bookshare, USA, will last until October 24.

G. Kumaresan, Outreach and Training Coordinator (South India) of Benetech–Bookshare, highlighted the importance of assistive technology in making higher education accessible. He said digital skills will help visually impaired students gain independent access to academic resources, read accessible books and continue their studies with confidence.

Dormitory Rector Fr. Royappa and correspondent Fr. Francis Xavier extended his support to the initiative and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to inclusive and accessible education.

Twelve specialized laptops sponsored by the Torchit Foundation were distributed to visually impaired students. These devices are expected to help students write exams and complete academic tasks independently, reducing their dependence on note takers.

The workshop includes hands-on training on screen reading software, accessible reading tools, and digital navigation platforms. Mr. Kumaresan along with visually impaired co-teachers Prathusha and Nagababu will guide the participants through practical lessons.

HEPSN Coordinator G. Sahaya Baskaran supervised the arrangements with the support of student volunteers and Shaik Nasreen and Joe expressed their gratitude to the school management, sponsors, trainers and participants.

Published – 23 Oct 2026 0:20 AM IST