‘Visually impaired people need assistive technology’

Event held to raise awareness of the use of white canes, its significance for people with visual impairment

KARACHI:

A seminar, held in connection with the International White Cane Day, emphasised on the need of using Assistive Technology (AT) for visually impaired people in general and students in particular in the education sector.

The Inclusive Student's Society of the University of Karachi, which is supervised by the KU Students Advisor Office, conducted the event on Wednesday at the Arts Auditorium of the university to spread knowledge about the use of white canes and its significance in the lives of people with visual impairment.

Speaking on the occasion, the KU Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi said that there is an urgent need to build Assistive Technology labs in universities so that the special persons and visually impaired students can have equal opportunities for education in a better way.

He said that universities should initiate training at the departmental level so that visually impaired students could get the benefit of AT.

He mentioned that all visually impaired students of the University of Karachi, and at the affiliated colleges can use special software to take the exam, which does not require any writer or helper.

The VC said that the public and private sectors have to raise awareness about the difficulties being faced by visually impaired people.

"Holding a white cane is considered to be a sign that the person withstick is blind, if such a person is seen at any time, especially on the roadside, he should immediately be helped."

In his views, Student Affairs Adviser, Dr Syed Asim Ali said that people with disabilities have proved that they are a useful part of society and can play their role in the economic and social development of the country along with other people, provided they are given adequate opportunities.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 20^th, 2022.