As romantic as it may sound, it was just another routine evening for this place. But there was nothing ordinary or routine about what was about to unfold over the next two days.

Nestled on the quiet stretch of Anaikatti Road, where the city of Coimbatore gently melts into the arms of the countryside, stands the Karl Kübel Foundation — the chosen home for the Help the Blind Foundation’s Annual Meet 2026.

And by nightfall, it was no longer just a campus. It was a reunion. A movement. A family gathering with purpose.

The Night Before

As the evening deepened, the soundscape began to shift. White canes tapped their way across corridors. Screen readers rapped rhythmically for their masters. Warm greetings overlapped with laughter. New connections formed. Old memories found their way back into conversations.

It felt as though the campus paused for a moment — not in silence, but in acknowledgment — soaking in the warmth, the familiarity, and the unmistakable magic of community bound by purpose.

And the Western Ghats stood quietly in the background as if listening in. By the time the night settled, the air was thick with excitement. The place went to sleep not in stillness, but with anticipation determined to give and take as much as possible in the coming two days.

The Day 1

Morning arrived with piping hot idlis and steaming cups of tea and coffee before a day of reflection and reckoning. 2025 had been a year of milestones for HTBF. A year of growth. A year of stretching boundaries and redefining what is possible. And as we looked back, there was a shared awareness in the room pride in how far we had travelled, and clarity about how far we still must go.

Mrs. Niti Patel supports visually impaired entrepreneurs.

The day was anchored beautifully by our charming MCs, Ms. Suhas and Mr. Rajkumar, rising to the occasion. It began with a heartfelt welcome by our trustee, Mr. Ramesh Puri, followed by an inaugural address by Mrs. Niti Patel that was both grounding and powerful. She took us back to the early days of HTBF to the uncertainties, the courage, and the conviction that built this foundation brick by brick.

Then came the year in review, presented by our Managing Trustee, Mrs. Deepa Krishnamoorthy. It was a comprehensive walk through everything 2025 had asked of us and everything we had attempted in return. The numbers, the milestones, the success stories, and everything in between. What followed were individual presentations from each program team — scholarships, skill development, planning, fund management, and the many invisible systems that keep our work upright bringing specificity to the larger picture she had laid out.

One of the defining moments of Day 1 was the announcement of the Entrepreneurial Program — a unique initiative designed to support visually impaired entrepreneurs. While HTBF does not directly provide monetary funding, this program promises something equally powerful: guidance, industry insight, mentorship, and strategic support in navigating funding avenues and building sustainable ventures, aiming to be the backbone for all budding entrepreneurs with vision impairments.

By the halfway mark of Day 1, something became unmistakably clear. Though we came from different cities, backgrounds, and roles such as volunteers, donors, trustees, trainers, and internal teams, we were bound by a single thread. We listened with one heart. We responded with one mind. And we moved forward with one goal.

As the formal sessions drew to a close, the evening blossomed into celebration. Cultural performances lit up the conference hall — a street play that stirred thought, a multi-format performance that surprised us, poetry that lingered, songs that lifted the room. Trainers, volunteers, and team members took the stage and brought the hall, which had been formal and wrapped in tight attention all day, suddenly alive, full of hoots and cheers.

The Day 2

After a night filled with discussions, dances, storytelling, and an unforgettable round of Antyakshari that stretched close to midnight across the campus, Day 2 began with a photo session.

HTBF Family at Annual Meet, 2026.

In-depth discussions on Day2

Was it a group picture? Technically, yes. But although we were a hundred individuals, what stood before the camera was one entity — one movement. The rolling mountains behind us formed the perfect backdrop, but what the cameras truly attempted to capture was something less visible: belief, unity, and collective commitment.

If Day 1 was the storm of celebration, Day 2 was the calm that followed — deliberate, reflective, strategic. With a theme of reviewing and realigning, teams divided program-wise for focused two-hour sessions.

The Scholarship Program team immersed themselves in deep discussions about policies, processes, and possibilities. Volunteers, trustees, and staff sat together, delving into possibilities of making what is already a robust system an even stronger force.

Meanwhile, the Skill Development team engaged in an activity that brought both intensity and excitement: divided into six groups, each team conceptualised an NGO and pitched for funding in a Shark Tank-style format. It was creative, competitive, and thought-provoking. Above all, it was a reminder that innovation thrives when people are invited to think boldly.

The rest of the day carried this spirit forward — more conversations, more presentations, and an award ceremony that honoured another year of commitment and dedication across HTBF.

And then, slowly, the winding down began. Some people started checking flight timings. Others coordinated early morning cabs or train schedules. Conversations turned softer, more personal. People squeezed in last-minute catch-ups with those they had just met over the past two days, and with those they had known for decades.

Gradually, the campus returned to stillness almost the way it had on that first Sunday evening. But it was a different kind of stillness this time. Two days of conversations, reviews, disagreements, laughter, planning, and performance had passed through these corridors. The chairs were back in place. The mics were switched off. The hills stood as they had before. Yet there was a quiet fullness in the space. The air felt heavier, brighter, and stronger all at once, if that is even possible.

Annual Meet 2026 will stay with people like me for a long time. Not only for what happened inside the conference hall, but for everything around it — the sumptuous snacks I picked up from the Thank You Bakery stall, the intriguing projects I explored at the SIP stall, the fascinating games introduced by Mr. N. Sankar for the visually impaired, the midnight Antyakshari, the unplanned laughter, the meaningful silences, the many informal conversations, and the many more wonderful people I met.

Annual meets are rarely about the two days they occupy on a calendar. They are about what they change for the rest of the year. For me, this one is going to shape and reshape many of the days ahead, because these were definitely not ordinary or routine days in any sense.

In a world that often rushes by, rarely pausing to look back, Ms. Pon Meenakshi stands out as a testament to what steadfast commitment, empathy, and quiet resolve can achieve. For over one and half  decades now, she has been the invisible force holding together the hopes and dreams of hundreds of visually impaired students in Coimbatore.

Her journey began in 2010 with something simple, yet powerful—being a scribe. Alongside a small group of dedicated volunteers, she helped visually impaired students write their exams. The spark that lit during those early days gradually grew into an unwavering flame, and soon she became a cornerstone of Help the Blind Foundation (HTBF)’s Coimbatore chapter.

Introduced to HTBF through our trustee Mr. Sivaji Rao, Meenakshi ma’am quickly became an indispensable part of our family. With her deep understanding of the challenges faced by visually impaired students in the region, she helped HTBF expand its scholarship and training programs across Coimbatore. What began as a few scholarships for hostel students soon grew into a structured support system encompassing day scholars, skill development workshops, and employment readiness programs.

She recalls a turning point in her volunteering journey—a time when students would approach her and say they hadn’t received their hall tickets because their college fees hadn’t been paid. “We can’t just say it’s okay and move on,” she said. “So me and one or two other volunteers used to pay from our own savings. But how many could we help like that?”

HTBF’s arrival was, in her words, “a win-win situation.” We brought in structured scholarships and she brought her ground-level insight and commitment. Together, we created a change that was tangible and lasting.

In 2019, when Mr. Sivaji Rao facilitated a collaboration with Enable India, a computer skills awareness session lit a spark among the students. The enthusiasm led to the establishment of the EMET (Empowerment through Mobility, Education, and Training) program in Coimbatore. With trainers like Mr. Jagan and Ms. Ambika, and later Dharni who joined as a computer trainer, Meenakshi ma’am played an instrumental role in launching and supporting the initiative.

But her contributions go beyond coordination and logistics. She sits with the students, reads out study material, helps them prepare for competitive exams, and still occasionally dons the role of a scribe. She dreams of a day when all the students will be writing their own exams using laptops, powered by the very skills she helped them acquire.

When asked about her decade-long journey with HTBF, she reflects with pride and humility. “Each batch is different. When two or three students in a batch are focused, the rest follow. It’s a joy to see that transformation.” She speaks fondly of former students like Parthiban, now working with Canara Bank, and Sheela, who moved from a different district to study in Coimbatore thanks to an HTBF scholarship, and now works at a bank.

Her voice catches when she says, “These students remind us that it’s all worth it. Not me, but the efforts of all the trustees and volunteers are justified when we hear such stories.”

Despite doing so much, she remains profoundly humble. “I want to do more, but somehow, with all my engagements, I feel I’m not doing enough,” she says, brushing off a decade of impactful service with characteristic grace.

Her parting words leave us deeply moved: “This journey has been very, very satisfying. Not just because we’re helping students build a future, but because I’m part of a group like HTBF. Everyone here is constantly thinking about what more we can do, how better we can serve. I’d like to be with HTBF forever.”

And we, dear Meenakshi ma’am, would be honoured to have you with us forever.

Help the Blind Foundation is proud to share stories like Ms. Pon Meenakshi’s, which embody the spirit of service, empathy, and action. If you’d like to support our work or become a volunteer, write to us or visit www.helptheblind.in.

But eventually, I will have to go to my phone, as it has become my most reliable confidant over the last ten years. It, along with the powerful combination of screen reader, has opened up the world in ways no other tech could for blind and visually impaired people like me. If it is the smartphones that took the baton forward, it was computers and the origin of screen readers that actually started the liberation movement.

If you have a visually impaired friend or colleague, you once in a while keep hearing this term called ‘screen reader’—and definitely hear a voice rapping its way in the most bizarre language whenever you happen to sit next to them. Although your friends were kind enough to explain to you what a screen reader is and how it functions, I can understand if it is still an unknown particle as to what it does, how it does what it does to most of you.

So let me take you through a day in my life—a day filled (gratefully) with screen readers. Hopefully, by the end, you’ll feel a little more familiar with what they are, bust a few myths along the way, and walk out with a sprinkle of action-oriented awareness.

So buckle up, and let’s roll!

Screen Readers in a Nutshell

Before we go back to that rainy day, let me quickly give you a bird sight view about the world of screen readers.

First things first—what is a screen reader?

A screen reader is a type of assistive technology that converts digital text into speech or braille, enabling blind and visually impaired individuals to interact with computers and smartphones. Think of it as a narrator for everything that happens on your screen—from reading out your emails and WhatsApp messages to navigating apps, web pages, and spreadsheets with a surprising level of efficiency.

The concept of screen readers dates back to the 1980s, when software pioneers began experimenting with ways to make computers talk. The earliest versions were basic, clunky, and slow. But they were revolutionary. They turned what was once a wall of silence into a space of possibility.

Over the years, the screen reader ecosystem has grown significantly. Today, several mainstream screen readers are in active use, across various operating systems:

JAWS (Job Access With Speech) by Freedom Scientific: Probably the costliest and the most powerful one in the lot, with new features and AI capabilities added with every update. This is the one you’ll most likely find in professional setups—banks, corporate offices, schools, and government institutions. Sadly, it’s also the reason companies sometimes shy away from hiring blind professionals—the licensing cost becomes their excuse to not be inclusive.

NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) by NV Access: The free, open-source alternative to JAWS. Built by the community, for the community. It’s lightweight, efficient, and for many—including me—a personal favorite. While professional setups often overlook it simply because it’s open-source, don’t let that fool you. It’s a powerhouse in its own right. Most of the functionality is similar to JAWS, though JAWS does offer more advanced features and AI integrations.

VoiceOver by Apple: Built into all Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, and Watches. On the MacBook, though, it comes with the steepest learning curve of all. It takes time, patience, and probably a couple of existential crises to get used to. But once you’re in, you get robust, system-wide control that’s buttery smooth—thanks to the fact that it’s developed by Apple themselves. (

TalkBack by Google: Arguably the most revolutionary development for blind smartphone users in the last 15 years. Born from Google’s Eyes-Free project, TalkBack started appearing on Android smartphones around 2009 and came into its own with Android Gingerbread in 2013. It’s been my trusty sidekick ever since. And yes, I still use TalkBack—because I’m not yet ready to sell a kidney for an iPhone.

Narrator by Microsoft: Windows’ built-in screen reader. For years, it lagged behind, but recent updates—especially with Windows 11—are showing real promise. It’s no JAWS or NVDA yet, but it’s on the right path.

Each of these tools translates the visual interface into spoken words or braille. Navigation happens through keyboard commands, touch gestures, or screen taps, depending on the device.

In simple terms: a screen reader sees the screen for those of us who can’t. And it does so relentlessly, without ever asking for a coffee break.

Understanding screen readers isn’t just about knowing what they do. It’s about appreciating how they power the lives of millions—whether it’s a student attending virtual classes, a professional building a career, or someone simply texting a friend. However, there is a big asterisk here. Screen reader at the end of the day is a software. a tool which only works when products such as apps, websites, operating systems use this tool to open the doors to users like me. But do they always do that? And that, dear reader, is where our story truly begins.

Back to My Rainy Day

Now that you understand what a screen reader is, let’s go back to that rainy day. My goal isn’t just to show you how this technology empowers a “normal” life, but to share real examples of how digital inaccessibility throws a wrench in the works, hindering that very empowerment.

When Choice Goes Out the Window

It’s time for breakfast, and the verdict is in: toast and eggs. Time to order them online. There’s a Zepto dark store (a popular instant grocery delivery app) right next to my house, which means I could have the groceries delivered in under five minutes. But there’s a catch. The Zepto app is simply inaccessible with my screen reader. Nothing gets read out; for me, it’s just a silent, unusable wall. So, even if I don’t feel like it, I have to use other grocery apps just to get my toast and eggs on the table.

Take another instance: Ola (one of India’s leading ride-hailing apps). It’s semi-accessible. I can use it to book a ride, but on the ride screen, it doesn’t announce the ETA, leaving me to ask a sighted person if I really need to know when my cab will arrive. It’s not just that; the overall experience feels clunky and half-baked with my screen reader.

Because I’m part of a minority user base, I often don’t have as many choices. Whether it’s news, banking, or entertainment, my options are almost always more limited than a sighted user’s, simply because so many apps are not built to be screen reader compatible.

Acing It with What We Have

Mind you, these accessibility challenges have never stopped the visually impaired community from embracing the digital world. With the help of screen readers, we are thriving everywhere—from using Zoom for meetings to ordering from Zomato, and from coding complex software to crafting marketing strategies.

On a typical workday, I juggle a whole range of digital tools. It starts with the Google Workspace suite—Docs, Sheets, and Slides—and their Microsoft counterparts, Word and Excel. For communication, it’s Zoom and Slack; for notes, it’s Google Keep. And for a bit of brain-rotting entertainment, I spoil myself with Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and X.

As a branding and marketing professional, my job demands that I use apps like Trello for project tracking, various audio editing software for content creation, and a suite of AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Suno. And of course, there’s WhatsApp, for that sweet, sweet reduction in my peace of mind.

The reason I’m bombarding you with this galore of app names is to paint a clear picture. We don’t lead a sad, dark, Stone Age life anymore. Thanks to screen readers, the world is open to us. The playing field is more level today than it has been at any point in history.

Yes, challenges—mainly the accessibility ones—are still there. They exist because many developers, designers, and large organizations don’t think of us, the screen reader users, while building their products. But over the years, the visually impaired community has found solutions, fought long battles, raised awareness, and supported each other to keep claiming their rightful place in the digital world.

What Should You Do with This Information?

When a visually impaired friend mentioned that 99% of interviewers are unaware of screen readers, I wasn’t surprised. What’s more baffling is their shock when they learn we use phones and computers. After reading this far, I hope you won’t be part of that 99%.

 “My appeal to you is simple. If you’re a hirer, know that we are as digitally capable as anyone. Don’t let your assumptions stop you from hiring us.” If you are keen about improving accessibility, employ one of us, we will introduce you to the world of accessibility and assist you in making your products and services more inclusive.If you’re a developer, remember us when you build; accessibility doesn’t require moving mountains. And if you’re committed to be an ally for people with vision disabilities, ask one question as you navigate the digital world: “Is this accessible?” Trust me, there is a solution for every “no”.

Lastly, share this piece as widely as possible. Together, we can increase that percentage of aware allies, every single day.

You find a table, sit down, and pick up the menu, eager to order. But the menu is entirely in a language you don’t understand. No translations. No pictures. No explanations. You flip it back and forth, hoping something will click. You try to ask the waiter for help, but they don’t speak your language either. They smile politely but point back to the menu, assuming that should be enough. You feel stuck. Embarrassed. A little helpless. You weren’t expecting this much effort just to order a meal.

Still hungry and a bit frustrated, you decide to at least use the washroom before leaving. But when you go searching for it, you find signs that are, again, written in a language you don’t understand. There are no symbols, no familiar markers — just words that mean nothing to you. You’re left guessing, hoping you’ll open the right door.

And in that moment, it hits you: This place wasn’t designed for someone like me. Not on purpose, of course. It’s just that no one thought to make it easier for someone who doesn’t speak the local language to find their way. It’s not hostile — just not inclusive.

That’s what inaccessibility feels like — not always cruel or deliberate, just quietly and consistently exclusive. People with disabilities face it every day, everywhere.

This month, at Help the Blind Foundation, we’re launching a campaign titled “For an Accessible Tomorrow.” Through blogs, stories, and conversations, we want to gently open up a dialogue on accessibility — especially for the visually impaired — and explore how each of us can contribute, in small or big ways, to making the world a little easier to navigate for everyone.

Our goal is simple: to build awareness, and generate dialogue around what accessibility really means, and to encourage people to reimagine everyday spaces and systems through a more inclusive lens.

The concept of Universal Design is one of the powerful tools we have to understand how we create products, environments and systems more accessible and inclusive to everyone. In this blog, let us quickly take you through this concept and hopefully inspire you to integrate more accessibility into everything you do in your daily life.

Universal Design in a Nutshell

At its core, Universal Design is the idea that environments, products, and services should be usable by all people – to the greatest extent possible — without the need for adaptation or specialized design. It’s not about creating separate solutions for people with disabilities. It’s about creating solutions that work better for everyone.

Think of audiobooks — originally created for those who prefer listening over reading. Today, they benefit not only the visually impaired but also the elderly and individuals learning a new language. Similarly, audio announcements on public transport systems like metros and buses aren’t just useful for visually impaired passengers; they assist newcomers to the city, people with reading difficulties, and those who may not speak the local language. Subtitles, curb cuts, and countless other examples remind us the beauty of Universal Design: when you design with the margins in mind, everyone benefits.

There are seven core principles of Universal Design, ranging from equitable use and flexibility to intuitive operation and low physical effort. But you don’t need to memorize them to start making a difference. The essence is simple: design that considers differences, not just averages.

A Reality Check

Despite the growing awareness around accessibility, the reality today is that most spaces and systems are still built for a ‘default’ user — someone able-bodied, sighted, hearing, and neurotypical. This leaves millions of people navigating a world that isn’t designed with them in mind.

For visually impaired individuals, that could mean ATMs without audio guidance, websites incompatible with screen readers, or elevators with no Braille. For others, it could be classrooms that don’t support diverse learning needs, or workplaces that confuse ‘equality’ with ‘sameness.’

In many ways, inaccessibility isn’t always obvious until it’s experienced. And because the people most affected by it are often excluded from the design process, the gaps go unnoticed, unchallenged, and unrepaired.

How Can We Change This?

We can start by asking a simple question: Who might be left out? Whether you’re a designer, developer, educator, manager, policymaker, or just someone planning an event — asking this question changes how you think. It invites empathy into the process. It nudges you to check if your website works with a screen reader, if your instructions are clear enough without visuals, if your space is navigable without sight.

• Here are a few small but meaningful steps:
• Add alt text to every image you post online.
• Use accessible fonts and high-contrast colors.
• Ensure videos have captions.
• Use clear, simple language in communication.
• Test your website or app with a screen reader.
• Invite people with disabilities to give feedback and co-create solutions.

Accessibility doesn’t have to be expensive or perfect. It just has to be intentional. The road to a truly accessible world isn’t a straight line. It’s a collective journey — one that involves policy, design, education, empathy, and above all, a willingness to listen and adapt.

Accessibility is not a checkbox — it’s a mindset. It’s about building a world where nobody has to feel like that traveler in the restaurant, lost in translation. It’s about choosing inclusion over convenience, empathy over assumption, and design that welcomes rather than excludes.

The third Thursday of every May is observed as Global Accessibility Awareness Day — a moment to spark conversations and foster meaningful dialogue around inclusion. In honor of this, our For an Accessible Tomorrow campaign will continue to bring you tutorials, stories, and conversations that inform, inspire, and empower you to think, act, and create with accessibility in mind — especially for those who are visually impaired. As we move forward, we invite you to walk alongside us — to learn, question, design, and make a lasting impact.

Because when the world is easier to navigate for the few, it becomes better for everyone

Written by Mr UmaShankar Veeravalli, Social Media and Communication Manager, HTBF

Interview with Ms. Sweet Clemency Syiemiong, Barefoot Trust, on her journey as a volunteer with HTBF and teaching persons with visual impairment

• Can you share your journey into teaching VI students. How long have you been working with visually impaired students, and what has been your biggest learning experience?

My journey into teaching visually impaired students started way back in 1999 when I was waiting for my graduation results. I became so attached to the students and to the work that I was doing, both emotionally and physically. Throughout my entire work life, children have always been the source of inspiration and motivation for me. It is their innocent belief in me that has fuelled my passion for any work that I have undertaken and urged me to stretch my limits further than I ever thought I could. Working with children, be it in the schools or at their homes, have developed in me the values of patience, empathy, hard work and respect for the individual as he/she is and to value each child as an important contributor for the success of any work.

• What qualifications have helped you in this role?

Working in the field of disability, it was necessary for me to be certified and to have a better understanding of what and how to go about the work. So I completed various trainings which were specific to the sector of visual impairment. To name a few:   

• Diploma in Special Education (Visual Impairment) Secondary Level from Rama Krishna Mission, Kolkata in 2002
• Different online courses related to Visual Impairment from the Hadley School for the Blind, Illinois in 2004
• Computerized Braille Transcription System from Webel Mediatronics Limited, Kolkata in 2009

Attending regular sessions/workshops, online/offline, helped me keep myself updated and aware of what is happening around.

• What strategies do you use in teaching VI students?

Visual information plays a significant role in learning. When this sense is absent, it makes the child to rely on his/her remaining senses to gather information from the environment around him/her. As teachers, it is very important to keep this in mind while designing the lessons so that we are prepared to provide the information in multiple ways – verbal, tactile, large print, experiential, use of assistive devices, etc. – so as to allow children to maximize the use of the other senses. 

• How do you create an inclusive and engaging classroom environment?

To create an inclusive and engaging classroom, it is essential to ensure that all children feel safe, participate and are involved. This can be achieved by making information and the environment accessible. Pair and group activities can be organized which can also encourage involvement and collaboration.

• What challenges do students with visual impairment face in traditional learning settings, and how do you address them?

The traditional ‘chalk and talk’ method of teaching is still happening in almost all schools. Students with visual impairment have to rely on what they hear from the teachers’ dictation. They lose out on information where diagrams are involved and where much of the information is conveyed through sight.

• It is important for the teacher to be mindful when he/she is writing on the board – to read out what is being written.
• Using tactile diagrams or 3D models (if possible) while explaining diagrams;
• Verbal description of pictures that are given in the text books (example: a picture given in a poem or a story)
• Ensuring that the child has a braille text book and any other available assistive device
• Addressing students by their respective names
• Making adjustments in the seating arrangement – students with low vision can be seated nearer to the board or where the lighting is most suitable for them
• Pairing students with visual impairment with sighted students for encouraging peer support
• A teacher’s knowledge of Braille and relevant assistive devices is crucial for a child’s progress in school. This expertise enables teachers to provide effective support and resources, ensuring that visually impaired students can fully participate and succeed in their education.

• How did you get introduced to HTBF?

Dr. Sivaji Rao had connected with my colleague, Mr Bibhudutta Sahu, on Linkedin who in turn introduced me to HTBF. This had happened sometime in late August of 2024.

• What do you enjoy about volunteering?

It gives me the opportunity to meet and interact with the students.

• How much time do you spend in volunteering and what do you do?

There is no fixed time for this. It depends on the need. The respective coordinators in the college arrange and fix the time accordingly and I spend 2-3 hours with the students. If I require additional information, I can communicate with them over the phone after their classes are over. Since I only joined last year, my interaction with them had only be limited to getting the information for the scholarship process.

• What motivated you to volunteer with our NGO, and how has the experience shaped your perspective on disability inclusion?

I have been working in the field of disability for the last 24 years and any opportunity that comes which offers support to persons with disability is an interest for me. So when I was introduced to HTBF and came to know about the support it was offering to the students, I was happy to join and help out in whichever way was possible for me.

For me, disability has always been another aspect of human diversity. So people with disability shouldn’t have been excluded in the first place, but unfortunately, that’s how the world is…And now we have to fight for inclusion. It is not an easy battle but thanks to NGOs like HTBF and others that provide support and opportunities, this journey towards INCLUSION has been made easier and better.

•  Have you interacted with any beneficiaries directly? If so, can you share a meaningful   experience or success story?

I have interacted with some of the continuation students last year from one college but at this point I do not have much to share. Maybe after more interactions this year I will be able to do so.

Understanding and using assistive technologies such as screen readers (e.g., JAWS, NVDA), magnification software (e.g., ZoomText), and braille displays can help in performing digital tasks efficiently. Familiarity with adaptive tech in workplaces, such as speech-to-text software and accessible work platforms, is a major advantage.

2. Digital Literacy & Computer Skills

Basic to advanced computer skills, including typing, navigating operating systems, using Microsoft Office or Google Workspace, and managing emails, are crucial for most jobs today. Additionally, learning coding, data entry, or digital marketing can open up more job opportunities.

3. Communication & Interpersonal Skills

Strong verbal and written communication skills help in networking, team collaboration, and career growth. Effective listening and expressing thoughts clearly can enhance workplace interactions and build confidence in professional settings.

4. Problem-Solving & Adaptability

Employers value individuals who can adapt to challenges and find creative solutions. The ability to troubleshoot accessibility barriers, navigate unfamiliar environments, and work independently fosters self-reliance and increases job success.

5. Mobility & Orientation Skills

Knowing how to navigate workspaces safely using a cane, guide dog, or GPS-based navigation apps improves independence at work. Employers appreciate employees who can move confidently in different settings, attend meetings, and travel for work when needed.

Article by Mr. Vignesh Basuvaraj, Placement Executive

Hello All,

My name is Pavan, and I have completed the EMET course through Help The Blind Foundation (HTBF) and the Trainer Certification Course (TCC) through Enable India.

Before joining the EMET course, I didn’t know how to use a laptop. In my first year, I heard about the Chennai Scholarship from a friend. They explained that I should fill out the form because receiving this scholarship would support my studies.

The next year, HTBF entered my life, giving me the opportunity to enhance my skills in the field I was passionate about.

I was performing well in the EMET course, but after a few months, I started feeling unwell while working on the road. When I visited the doctor, I was told I needed to undergo open-heart surgery due to a hole in my heart.

At that time, I was worried that I would miss my EMET classes, but my trainers were incredibly supportive. They helped me attend classes even while I was in the hospital. Despite the challenges, I stayed committed to my studies, and now I am very close to achieving my goals.

I have successfully completed my EMET training and am currently doing my internship with HTBF Additionally, I am pursuing the Trainer Certification Course (TCC) from Enable India, which is a separate, rigorous course designed for those aspiring to become trainers.

After completing this certification, I will be a certified skill development trainer.

Pavan is an EMET beneficiary and he is based at Nagpur.

The program offers a unique platform for knowledge-sharing, where I not only impart skills but also gain invaluable lessons in compassion and human connection. Every student comes with a story of resilience, overcoming challenges with courage and determination. This shared experience resonates deeply with me, as I, too, am visually challenged. The opportunity to guide these students while contributing to my community brings immense satisfaction and fulfills my ambition of serving others.

At EMET, we focus on equipping students with communicative English skills, empowering them to express themselves confidently. For visually challenged individuals, expressing feelings and experiences is vital, as it helps bridge the gap with the sighted world, which often struggles to fully grasp the challenges faced by our community. By enhancing their employability skills, we prepare them to face the world with a strong voice and greater confidence.

The program goes beyond language skills, encompassing a holistic approach to personal and professional growth. Our soft skills training includes modules on positive thinking, anger management, stress management, personal grooming, and corporate readiness. These sessions empower students to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and ease, while preparing them for diverse job sectors.

Another critical focus of EMET is on computer skills and mobility training, which are essential for fostering independence. Mastering technology and mobility ensures that our students can engage with the world on an equal footing with their sighted peers.

The two-year journey we share with our students fosters a familial bond. We tailor our training to their individual goals, ensuring they receive the support they need to achieve their aspirations. Each student becomes a part of our extended family, and this connection deepens our commitment to their success.

Reflecting on my own college days, I often tell my students how much I wish I had access to such a resourceful program. As someone who missed out on such an opportunity, I treasure EMET’s mission and constantly emphasize its value to my students. This program is not just about imparting skills—it’s about transforming lives.

I am deeply grateful to Help the Blind Foundation for creating and sustaining such a meaningful initiative. The impact it has on our students’ lives is immeasurable, and I am honored to be a part of this journey. Through EMET, we are not just training students; we are building a future where visually challenged individuals can confidently face the world and achieve their dreams.

This program is a testament to the power of education, mobility, and employability as tools for empowerment—and I am proud to contribute to this noble cause.

Article by Ms. Varshaa D, Skill Development Trainer, Chennai