STM Journals Peer-reviewed research from Consortium e-Learning Network

Journal of Advancements in Library Sciences

Information Services for the Visually Challenged Students in India: A Case Study

  1. Sudipta Pradhan
  2. Nivedita Bhattacharyya Sahu

Abstract

The study looks into the information services available for the visually challenged students of secondary and higher secondary level in the blind schools in Burdwan division, i.e., one of the divisions among the five administrative divisions in the state of West Bengal in India. There are seven (07) such schools in the division spread over the districts. Semi-structured questionnaire with Likert-type questions have been prepared to collect data from the students. Also another semi structured questionnaire is prepared for the organization head or the librarian taking care of the information resources. Basically the students are interviewed to obtain their answers. Sample size is restricted to 10% of the total population of students. The study reveals that the institutes should increase access, availability and funding for assistive technology through efforts and initiatives. Only one institute Asansol Braille Academy (ABA) uses sufficient Braille resources and Assistive technology. Due to improper information about the assistance from the Government level (both Central and State) these institutes are suffering from shortage of funds. Shortage of teaching faculty is another hindrance in the overall development of the visually challenged students. Only in one institute, Asansol Braille Academy (ABA) trained librarians are recruited to run the library. Only in 6 institutes the visually challenged students are very much satisfied with at least one service of the library. The study gives a comparative analysis of the institutes and their services which aids in their betterment and overall services for the visually challenged.  Keywords: Visually challenged, Braille resources, assistive technology, Burdwan division, library and information servicesCite this ArticleS. Pradhan, N. Bhattacharyya Sahu. Information Services for the Visually Challenged Students in India: A Case Study. Journal of Advancements in Library Sciences. 2018; 5(3): 93–102p

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