Amar Jain, 18, is visually-impaired. However, that doesn’t stop him from pursuing a degree at the Government Law College based in Churchgate.
He is pursuing a degree at Government Law College in Churchgate, and does not want to depend on a writer to take his exams
Amar Jain, 18, is visually-impaired. However, that doesn’t stop him from pursuing a degree at the Government Law College based in Churchgate. The only thing that demotivates him is the fact that he has to depend on a writer, while appearing for his exams.
The sprightly youth from Jodhpur, however, insists on giving his exams online — without the help of a writer. Spurred by the desire to be completely independent, Jain with the help of his college lecturers has filed an application to seek an amendment to the Maharashtra government notification, which stipulates certain guidelines for the benefit of the visually impaired. “The notification is applicable to senior secondary schools, colleges and universities, and states that visually-impaired persons may appear for an exam with the help of a writer,” explained Jain.
“However, it is possible for a visually-impaired student to give the exams online with the help of a computer software called Job Access With Speech (JAWS). Since I am well-versed with computers, I would like to have the option of giving my exams online,” said Jain.
There are a number of screen-reading software in the market, which, when loaded in a computer, speech-controls all computer applications, (including whatever is on the screen), thus enabling students to access and use the computer easily. JAWS, owned by a US-based company is the most popular such software available in India.
According to Dr Sam Taraporewala, who manages the Xavier’s Resource Centre for the Visually Challenged (XRCVC), this is a feasible option. “However, what you need is infrastructure, as the software has to be loaded into computers which will be used by the students to give their exams,” said Dr Taraporewala.
“This is possible only if the systems are in place. However, the government seems open to this idea as there are several visually-impaired students using this software,” said Taraporewala. The application has been forwarded to the dean of the law department, Mumbai University, and to the chief examination controller. “They have promised to come back with a positive response,” said Jain.
There are colleges that have independently allowed visually-impaired students to give exams online. “Technology has changed my life. I am not dependent on a writer anymore,” says Abdul Raziz Khan, a visually-impaired student, Symbiosis College, Pune.
s_deepa@dnaindia.net
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