An alternative to Braille that both visually challenged, sighted can read

A Delhi-based social venture has claimed to have come out with an alternative to Braille books which the sighted people too would be able to read, understand and teach easily to the visually challenged students.

Braille books have for many years restricted sighted persons from understanding or reading them easily. The new books with special embossing techniques can be read by a visually impaired person and at the same time do not disturb the readability of a sighted reader, which could go a long way in helping such children to be part of mainstream education, according to its creators.

"They are an invention after research and development work done in-house for nearly five years.The books being introduced by us are integrated with special embossing technique which does not disturb the readability of a sighted reader and at the same time can be read by a visually impaired person by sensing the tactile braille and images through their fingers," said Puneet Arora, co founder of Inklude which came out with the product.

The products have been tested by various blind and low vision children, adults and organizations, he added.

Launched in January this year, the products have already been used by institutions such as, Blind School at the All India Confederationof the Blinds - New Delhi, Delhi Public Library at the Blind Relief Association - New Delhi, Xavier's Resource Center for the Visually Impaired - Mumbai and Akhil Bhartiya Netrahin Sangh - New Delhi, he claimed.

"Children who are visually challenged are more reliant on touch or their tactile sense to experience the world. Unfortunately, braille books and aids available are not inclusive as a sighted teacher, parents can't teach a non-sighted child to read," Arora said.

"Because of this children are separated from the mainstream. Therefore we aim to send each and every visually challenged child into mainstream school and highly advocates the concept of integrated education for social fulfilment," he added.