JSP Foundation inaugurates advanced assistive devices library for visually impaired in Bhubaneswar
Bhubaneswar: In its unwavering dedication to fostering inclusivity within India, the JSP Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Jindal Steel & Power, proudly unveiled ‘Jindal Gyan’ in Bhubaneswar—a cutting-edge assistive devices library tailored specifically to the needs of the visually impaired.
On April 11, Bishnupada Sethy, Principal Secretary of the SSEPD Department, Government of Odisha, ceremoniously inaugurated the library in the esteemed company of Prashant Hota, President and Group Head (CSR) of JSP Foundation, Prof. Srikant Maharana, the Head of the Department of Prosthetics and Orthotics at SVNIRTAR, Cuttack, Sanyasi Behera, President of the Odisha Association of the Blind, and Abhaya Mohanta, Secretary of We4You. Nestled in the heart of the city at Khandagiribari, this initiative will be overseen by the We4You Charitable Trust, a well-respected social organization.
This pioneering endeavor aims to empower visually impaired individuals, referred to as Divyangs, by providing them access to state-of-the-art assistive devices, harnessing the power of advanced technologies. Bishnupada Sethi lauded the innovative strides of both the JSP Foundation and We4You in their commitment to uplifting visually impaired persons. “When endeavoring to equip visually impaired individuals with suitable devices, the search often proves challenging. However, this library eliminates that hurdle by offering a curated selection of highly advanced devices, ensuring individuals find the most fitting solutions. I am confident that this initiative will significantly enhance the lives of those with visual impairments, rendering their daily tasks more manageable and enriching,” remarked Sethi.
Prashant Hota echoed Sethi’s sentiments, highlighting the visionary leadership of Smt. Shallu Jindal ji, Chairperson of JSP Foundation, in championing the cause of inclusive development. “This library stands as a testament to our steadfast commitment to building an inclusive India. It is our fervent belief that this initiative will serve as a beacon of hope, catalyzing positive change in the lives of visually impaired individuals in Bhubaneswar and beyond,” expressed Hota.
The library stands as a bastion of inclusion and self-reliance for the visually impaired community, leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance accessibility. Boasting an extensive repertoire of over 100 advanced assistive devices, ranging from speech recognition tools to mobility aids and communication devices sourced from various corners of India and abroad, it equips visually impaired individuals with the latest tools to enrich their quality of life, spanning education, health, and daily living. Additionally, expert professionals will offer comprehensive training to ensure optimal utilization of these devices.
Beyond facilitating access to affordable Assistive Technology (AT) solutions, the library also pledges to spearhead research and development initiatives aimed at crafting a diverse array of assistive technologies tailored to the unique needs of visually impaired individuals. Furthermore, it will offer access to a vast repository of audio books across myriad subjects developed by WE4YOU, further enriching the resources available to the visually impaired community.
