Weaving the maps…
One of the most exciting activities of SAATHI ‘Innovators for Change’ is on its way. After the demo session with volunteers and taking the requirements from Blind students, it was decided that the first stage would be introducing blind students to the geographical borders of India and Maharashtra. In the first stage the Innovators had stitched outlines of India and Maharashtra on clothes with two different sized threads just within a week.
On 4th December, 2021 the first session of “Innovators for Change” was organized from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm in front of A3. As already planned, each blind student was assisted by a volunteer to explain the map. Volunteers made the blind students to ‘feel’ the map with their fingertips and described the borders of India and its different states to them. They even explained about the topographical features while describing the borders. Blind students were actively involved in the discussion; they asked questions during the session, which showed their curiosity about India.
Head of the Department of Geography Prof. Pravin Shinde visited the session. He explained the map to the students, which helped the volunteers to explain the map more effectively. He appreciated the efforts of volunteers and he also suggested some changes to make the map much more effective. The enthusiasm of blind students motivated the volunteers. The responses from the blind students were satisfying as they had suggestions for improvements. The session was open to all the volunteers.
This activity of Saathi Enabling Centre is on its way to bring about a change by making the blind students understand geographical borders, maps, features and many other concepts. Saathi is always grateful to Prof. Pravin Shinde sir for his guidance and the volunteers who had invested their time and energy for this activity. This activity is a beginning of innovation to enhance the scope of understanding for the visually impaired students. This is how first stage of this activity was a huge success.
''Vargshikshak" 