Knowledge made accessible

Ramachandra Dhongadi, a 90-year-old from Dharwad, says, “Listen to others if you want to be heard by others,’’ when asked about his learning at the Sahana Charitable Trust for the Disabled. The non-profit organisation was started in 2001 in Bengaluru, with an objective of empowering the visually challenged. It is managed by V Narasimhayya, the chairman, Varadaraj, the secretary and Lakshmi Hebbar, the managing trustee. The trio is visually challenged.

Since Braille enables visually challenged students to read and write, the trust began its work by converting textbooks for higher learning into Braille script. The workload was shared among the staff and volunteers, and it was only 2003 the trust was registered.

The trust has its head office in Bengaluru and branches in Mysuru and Dharwad. Ramachandra has been associated with it since 2011, “Sometimes we’re heard a little, and at times not at all,’’ he says, while talking about the struggles faced by the visually challenged individuals.

Focus on learning

Ramachandra, who heads the Dharwad branch, points out that there are no Braille textbooks in Kannada or English available as per the subject combination for students from PUC to postgraduation in Arts and Commerce. However, not many students opt for the science stream. Besides, there is a lack of uniformity in the syllabi of both undergraduate and postgraduate courses offered by the various universities in Karnataka.

Despite the grim scenario, he is happy that the trust is able to provide subjectwise Braille textbooks for major subject combinations of Arts and Commerce for free. Although the government provides Braille textbooks for SSLC, there is dearth in the supply.

Though the objective of this organisation is to make learning accessible and smooth for youngsters, the struggle seems unending for the team, and for the people from North and Hyderabad Karnataka regions seeking an academic career.

Shivakumar Shivamogga, a visually challenged individual, says, ‘‘Life is challenging for those with a visual disability. It isn’t easy to access quality education. One needs to depend on others as the means of communication in the education system are beyond our control. There is a lack of exposure and guidance with regard to career opportunities. Rather, we are seen and portrayed as a problem.’’

Initially, the trust began with translation activities, later it was involved in providing career counselling and contacts, which would help the visually challenged students gain employment. By 2008, Braille transcription units were opened in Mysuru and Dharwad, and in 2010 a free girls’ hostel was set up in Bengaluru to assist those who came from economically backward settings.

Translating classics

It is commendable that personnel in the trust have converted Kannada literature into Braille. Devika Shivakumar joined the organisation as a computer operator and typist. Under Ramachandra’s guidance, she has translated the vachanas of Basavanna, critical works of M M Kalburgi into Braille from Kannada.

Mohan Raj, a computer operator in Dharwad has converted Kuvempu’s novels, poems of K S Narasimhaswamy, Dinakara Desai and others into Braille along with a team of volunteers from across the State. The organisation plans to launch a bimonthly Braille magazine, Belaku, focusing on various issues of the visually challenged and 16 other themes. The magazine will reach North and Hyderabad Karnataka regions.

The trust aims to achieve a 100% literacy rate among the visually challenged in the society, and thereby support them to create their individual identity and live a life of dignity. It also works towards their empowerment and integration.

For more information, log on to www.sahanacharitabletrust.org or call 84533 86386.