Skill Council for Persons with Disability

Expository for Blindness /Visual Impairment

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Definition

According to The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 Blindness defined as:

Blindness" means a condition where a person has any of the following conditions, after best correction:
(a) total absence of sight; or
(b) visual acuity less than 3/60 or less than 10/200 (Snellen) in the better eye with best possible
correction; or
(c) limitation of the field of vision subtending an angle of less than 10 degree.

Training Tools
Training Tools mentioned below, are Accessible Tools/Appliances/Software, which enable a Person with
Disability (PwD) to carry out their training corresponding to the National Occupational Standards (NOS)
of the Qualification Pack. While the learning outcomes from the Qualification Pack will remain the same,
the methodology stated below will assist the trainers to train the trainees in the best suitable way
according to their level of functioning. These suggested training tools facilitate the learning process of a
Person with Disability to perform at par with their peers in a conducive and enabled environment

Tools recommended for the Training of Persons with Blindness

Accessible
How to use this
Tools/Appliances When to use this Tool Tool Description Tool Names
Tool
/ Software

Any of the
following
While teaching, if it is seen tools may be
OCR technology helps to A desktop or
that a person has difficulty in used:
convert the printed document Laptop is
reading printed text, then • Clear
Optical into soft copy. required where
this tool can be used. Person reader+
Character with Blindness can use this This soft copy can be read the software can • Clear
Recognition tool in all situations. using separate text to speech be installed. View+
(OCR) software, thus enabling a Portable OCR Speech
This tool may not read hand ZoomEx
Person with Blindness to systems are also
written documents available • Kurzweil,
comprehend the same. • ABBY Fine
efficiently.
Reader
• Tesseract
OCR

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 Accessible
How to use this
Tools/Appliances When to use this Tool Tool Description Tool Names
Tool
/ Software

Any of the
following
tools may be
used:
• Non-
. Visual
Desktop
Screen reader is a software Access
During the training If it is program that helps person (NVDA),
with blindness to use it during • Job Access
observed that a Person with
Requires a digital with
Blindness has difficulty in the reading the text that is
platform like PC Speech
Screen Reader reading from the computer displayed on the (JAWS),
computer screen with a or Laptop or
screen, Screen Readers • System
speech synthesizer or braille Mobile Phones
software should be Access to
recommended. display. A screen reader is the Go
interface between the (SATAGO),
computer's operating system, • Voiceover,
its applications, and the user. • Talkback,
• Nuance
Talks and
Mobile
Speak,
• ORCA
• Dolphin
Supernova
DAISY (Digital Accessible Various desktop Any of the
While teaching any of the Information System), DAISY is based or following
NOS’S mentioned above, if it an internationally recognized portable daisy tools may
is seen that a person has accessible multi-media players are be used:
difficulty in reading, then publishing system, available and • Digital
Accessible he/she can use this tool to compatible with the World Daisy books can Accessibilit
Format Digital digitize published material Wide Web. DAISY provides an be read using y
System (digital talking). Persons with enriched multimedia reading refreshable Informatio
Blindness (Visually Impaired) experience that is completely Braille display or n System
can use this tool in all accessible and navigable screen reading (DAISY)
situations. software • Standalon
DAISY offers text and audio
e DAISY
synchronization. DAISY can Printed Braille
Players
support Braille output book on paper

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 Accessible
How to use this
Tools/Appliances When to use this Tool Tool Description Tool Names
Tool
/ Software

DAISY provides adjustableIs Converted to a • Daisy

character display talking book player
using synthesized with
This software is a combination voice Plextalk
of a published text to digital
Vachak
text converter and text to Can read Printed
(Hindi
speech software, all in one. on paper like
TTS)
Persons with Blindness can large print book
• Angel India
use this to read published
Read large print Pocket
material DAISY facilitates
text on computer Talking
navigation by chapter,
screen Daisy
section, subsection, and page.
Player
Readers can read or skip
• Computers
footnotes, sidebars, or
using DAISY
information added specifically
playback
for users of the audio version.
software
such as
AMIS

It is a tactile writing Any of the

system used by the Person following
While teaching any of the with Blindness (Visual tools may be
NOS’S mentioned above, if it Impairment). It used:
is seen that a person has is traditionally written with
• German
difficulty in accessing print embossed paper. Braille-users
Braille Slate
materials, then Braille
can read and write Braille with Braille slates and
with Stylus
devices are recommended. the Braille slates and stylus. stylus. The
Braille devices • Signature
Braille is a system of raised Braille script can be written in person should
Guide
dots that can be read with all the languages. know Braille.
the fingers by people who • Abacus
are blind or who have low A person with Blindness can • Braille Rule
vision but those with vision touch and comprehend these • Braille
can read it with their eyes braille texts and therefore Geometrica
reading material published l Device
using the same. • Taylor
Frame

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 Accessible
How to use this
Tools/Appliances When to use this Tool Tool Description Tool Names
Tool
/ Software

These require knowledge of (Small &

Braille. Big)
• Pocket
Frame &
Stylus (5
lines and 7
lines)
Braille Note
taker

Refreshable
Braille Displays
are electronic
devices that are
While teaching any of the used to read text
NOS’S mentioned above, if it that a computer
is seen that a person has Braille displays enable Person
sends to the
with Blindness or Person with
difficulty in reading/seeing, monitor. The
then he/she can use this Deaf-blind to operate any
device is
Refreshable computer. The Person with
tool. It is used for taking connected to the Focus
Braille Display notes on Braille without Blindness can take notes on
computer by a 40/80Seika
paper usage. the computer in Braille
serial cable and
language using tactile/Braille
The tools can be friendly keyboard. produces Braille
recommended on a case-by- output on the
case basis. Braille display.
Refreshable
Braille displays
only read one line
of text at a time.

Device for navigation or Person with Any of the

White Cane identification of the blindness need to following
This tool will be used for the
(folding or non- surroundings used by a be trained with types may be
purpose of mobility by a
folding) person with blindness. They white cane. used:
person with blindness.
can scan their surroundings Mobility &
Persons with blindness can • Standard
for obstacles or orientation Orientation
use this tool in all situations Mobility
marks. the cane is moved in training in the
for mobility. White Cane
an arc approximately one step environment is a

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 Accessible
How to use this
Tools/Appliances When to use this Tool Tool Description Tool Names
Tool
/ Software

in front of the user any prerequisite to • ID cane or

obstacles outside this range using a white Folding
are not detected also it has cane Cane
limitation to sense obstacles • Support
only below the waist level. cane h
Mobility

Can detect
obstacles from
knee-head level
During the training this aid through
will be used for mobility by a distinctive
person with blindness in vibrations and
order to detect trunk and audio feedback
head-level obstacles. with real-time
The Electronically Augmented object narration,
Canes detects obstacles at all through
Electronically four vertical levels and fingertips • Smart Cane
Augmented provides multi-sensory avoiding injury
Canes feedback or GPS system and ensuring
(Position Locator Devices) for guaranteed
navigation. safety.

Mobility and
orientation
training are a
prerequisite for
using this device.
Needs to be
purchased .

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 Activity When to use
Activity Activity Description How to use tool Activity tool
Type Activity
Any of the
These tools can following tools
be may be used:
• Tactile
recommended These cards have
on a case to Braille inscribed on diagrams
Keep it simple and • Tactile stickers
case basis. It is them for reading. A
precise. • Bindi and other
used for feeling person with blindness
Follow the stickers used
and identifying can touch and
Braille instruction given to provide
items. comprehend these
Cards by the trainer. tactile feeling
It helps the braille texts and
This requires to differentiate
trainee during therefore read
knowledge of the items.
the Training to material published
Braille Language
provide using the same.
additional .
information and
emphasis on the
content.
Tactile TLM It is used to Tactile is used to get Needs to be
Environment
create a 3D the visualization of prepared using
al
demo of a 2D the visuals (model or the locally
Adaptability
image. It is 3D images) by touch available stickers
recommended and feel. or binds and other
for all persons Tactile stickers or materials
with Blindness diagrams are used to The age and
get the visualization of experience of the
things like computer reader must be
considered when
screen or any outline
designing TLM.
by touch and feel. And it should be
Tactile markers are modified if
also used to required.
differentiate the
things.
A person with
blindness can touch
and comprehend
these and therefore
differentiate things or
comprehend
messages.

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 Activity When to use
Activity Activity Description How to use tool Activity tool
Type Activity
This is a kind of text
on ground surface
that is often found on
footpaths, staircase This should be
and platform and used by persons
lobby. It facilitates for with blindness
mobility of persons during the •Tactile
Tactile paving
with blindness movement and it flooring
Environment guiding blocks
helps to identify •Tactile marks
al Tactile help to Persons Tactile paving provides
the path or way. to identify
Adaptability paving with Blindness for a distinctive
The person with various
about way of surface pattern
blindness can feel things/devices/
movement. detectable by cane or
the surface using Spots
underfoot used to
the cane and avoid
alert persons with
accidents.
blindness during their
movement to streets
and hazardous drop-
offs.

The trainer should be

oriented to the needs Trainer should
of persons with undergo training
Any of the
blindness They should with specific
following tools
also possess functional disabilities and may be used:
understanding of the should be able to • Communication
Trainer It can be challenges persons change his/her • hand gestures
should be recommended with blindness face to approach • touch
sensitized for training to execute their day to according to the sensitivity
Sensitization
towards all candidates day errands. Gain needs of the • BEHAVIOUR
of the Trainer
person with Blindness Knowledge of student. She/he • sensitivity
with (Visually disability, assistive should be able to
• patience
blindness. Impaired) aids. provide
• customized
Learn to assess multisensory
approach to
candidates (before input, keeping in
students
training). mind the learning
Create an inclusive style of the
training environment student.
and training material.

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 Activity When to use
Activity Activity Description How to use tool Activity tool
Type Activity
The trainer must have
video clippings of each
and every aid in use
and must know the
specifications of
where to get and how
to get, as well as
knowledge/informatio
n on where to get the
repairs done if
required.
This will equip the
visually impaired
person with adequate
information of the
various assistive aids
available and their
usage. This will also
create a positive and
conducive
environment that
fosters effective
learning.

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 Assessment Guidelines

Lab Assessment:

• The person must be familiarized with the general layout of the lab, including the entry, exit
points, seating spaces prior to the assessment
• It should be ensured that all equipment required during the assessment are within close
reach/easily accessible by the person.
• Working platform for Persons with Blindness should be clutter free to avoid accidents during
practicals.
• Information regarding accessible restrooms must be provided to the person.
• In the absence of the above tools and support, where using writing assistance or scribe, extra 20
minutes to be given for every one hour of assessment. Ensure that the person has a different
room in which to work, so that no disturbance is caused to other trainees, and the person with
blindness has a space to discuss with the scribe.
• Questions based on pics/graphs should be replaced with alternate.

Computer Assessment:

• Process should be explained in advance

• If the assessment requires specific software, these should be a screen reader and
• Software like NVDA and Jaws are recommended.
• Tools such as Talking Calculator should be allowed for working out mathematical calculations.
• Ensure that all videos have audio description for ease of comprehension

General Guidelines:

• Ensure that the date and venue is communicated in advance to the trainees. Any requirement
during the assessment should be communicated in advance to make arrangement accordingly.
• Orient the candidates in advance about the process of assessment
• Take a stock of the candidates understanding of the process by asking the candidate to explain
what has been understood.
• Give precise and clear instructions
• Ensure that the designated room for assessing the candidate does not have distraction, minimize
other environmental sounds in the vicinity
• Ensure that the distance between candidates is such that it does not disturb the other candidate,
when the narration is going on.
• Help from the trainer can be taken, if required.

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• Candidates with Blindness can give response orally, If the task requires the candidates to provide
a written response or by demonstration, then extra time should be provided. An extension of 20
minutes /hour is recommended, however, depending on the need it can be further extended.
• The Assessment guidelines given are only to enable the assessor to conduct the assessment
smoothly. Adherence to the guidelines is not mandatory but preferred.
• The assessor has the option to use any of the tools appropriate from the list of tools mentioned
in the expository, to conduct the assessment. He/she also has the choice to use other options that
will help in conducting the assessment with sanctity.
• Remember that your trainees with disabilities are going to work with persons without disabilities.
Pitying, belittling or lowering the standards would defeat the purpose

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