To aid the visually challenged students, IIT Bombay opened a new facility at the Central Library in the Powai Campus. The institute in a statement released said that they have introduced all modern aids and appliances like the newly introduced Jaws screen reading software, Perkins smart Brailler, Kurzweil open book scan and read software, pocket player and recorder and also Braille printer. They also introduced software that converts text files into mp3 format and portable eye-pal Rol portable scanner.
Devang Khakhar, IIT Bombay director inaugurated this center. He said that this is a positive move for building social inclusion. He also hinted at providing these facilities to individuals in the future. Also, the students in an attempt to bridge the gap between technology and the users built up a collaboration with the Swansea University of United Kingdom and developed a physical web for residents of slums in Dharavi to promote their businesses.
As a part of Google’s Internet of Things Technology Research Award, 100 beacons are being deployed to Dharavi slum, which is the largest slum in Asia. As a starter, 30 shops in Dharavi have been connected by this Physical web.
