Eyeway Conversations with Prashant Verma

In this episode of Eyeway Conversations, our host George Abraham talks with Prashant Ranjan Verma, General Secretary of the National Association for the Blind (NAB) Delhi, on their latest initiatives to empower visually impaired individuals.

Addressing the challenge of limited access to audiobooks for people without smartphones or internet connectivity, NAB Delhi introduces Shravan. This IVR-based library allows users to call a phone number and navigate through menus using a keypad to listen to audiobooks. Features include chapter navigation, pausing/resuming playback, and easy browsing by category.

Shravan is planned to integrate with Sugamya Pustakalay, a national digital library initiative, significantly expanding the book collection. Additionally, membership is free for people with print disabilities. Shravan incorporates AI for voice search, allowing users to find books by title, subject, or author. While currently better in English, advancements are being made for Hindi.

Recognizing the challenges surrounding sexual and reproductive health discussions, particularly for visually impaired individuals, NAB Delhi created Aditi. This AI-powered chatbot on WhatsApp provides information in English and Hindi through text messages or voice notes, ensuring privacy and accessibility.

NAB Delhi offers an immersive program called Beyond Eyes, designed to sensitize people towards blindness. Participants engage in a series of activities in a completely dark room, simulating the daily experiences of visually impaired individuals. This is followed by discussions on assistive technologies and opportunities for the blind.

NAB Delhi's Music, Sports and Theater for the Blind initiative provides professional music training to blind children with musical talent. NAB Delhi also has a music group that performs at various events, including NGOs, schools, corporate offices, and prestigious auditoriums. Organizations interested in hosting the group's performance can contact NAB Delhi to discuss logistics and honorariums for the artists.

Overall, this episode highlights NAB Delhi's commitment to empowering visually impaired people through innovative solutions that bridge the accessibility gap and promote inclusion.