Shillong, August 10: The Composite Regional Centre for Skill Development, Rehabilitation and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (CRCSRE), Shillong, in collaboration with the Voice of Specially Abled People (VOSAP), organised a programme at Lok Bhavan, Shillong, on Monday to distribute Smart Glasses to persons with visual impairment.
The programme was attended by the Governor of Meghalaya as Chief Guest, with the initiative aimed at using assistive technology to promote greater independence, accessibility and inclusion among persons with visual impairment.
During the programme, 15 Smart Glasses were distributed to visually impaired beneficiaries associated with CRCSRE Shillong. The devices are intended to help beneficiaries become more independent and confident while carrying out various day-to-day activities.
Chief Secretary of Meghalaya Harish Chandra Chaudhary, IFS, delivered the welcome address and highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovative assistive technologies in improving the quality of life of persons with disabilities.
Pranav Desai, Founder of VOSAP, joined the programme online and spoke about the role of assistive technology in promoting independence, accessibility and empowerment. Dr Uttam Ojha, Divyangbandhu and Adviser to VOSAP, was also present.
Other dignitaries included Dr Ram Shakal Sahani, Director, CRCSRE Shillong; L. Kynjing, Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Government of Meghalaya; and Bridget Warshong, Deputy Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities. CRCSRE staff, parents and beneficiaries also attended the programme.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor appreciated the initiative undertaken by CRCSRE Shillong in collaboration with VOSAP and acknowledged the organisation’s efforts in providing rehabilitation services and facilitating access to assistive technology for persons with disabilities.
The Governor also encouraged CRCSRE Shillong and other stakeholders to continue working towards the welfare, rehabilitation and empowerment of persons with disabilities across Meghalaya, while stressing the importance of inclusion, dignity, independence and equal opportunities.
The programme highlighted the importance of cooperation between government institutions, disability organisations and technology partners in expanding access to assistive technology and building a more inclusive society.
According to the organisers, the distribution of the Smart Glasses marks an important step towards using technology to improve the independence, accessibility and quality of life of persons with visual impairment in Meghalaya.
