The visually impaired students at the visually impaired resource classes at Gyanodaya High face this situation every day.
“We also want to use computers but there are no computers for us,” said Bhar Devi BK, who comes to school from Lulang VDC-9.
“Computer education is like chyura (roasted-pounded rice) made out of iron,” she said adding, however, that she wants to use computers when she hears others doing likewise. She further complained that she and her friends have not been able to display their talent for lack of braille and computers meant for visually impaired.
Teacher at resource class Ganesh Subedi informed that computers meant for the visually impaired are different. “Different software needs to be installed so that sound is produced while typing on keyboard,” he said. Two such computers costing Rs. 50,000 are required for the school, he added.
School principal Nilkatha Subedi said that the resource classes are being affected by a lack of books in braille, computers for visually impaired, braille pens and other infrastructure.
The school is having difficulties teaching the alphabet to visually-impaired students. Most such students are from Dalit communities, which are economically weak. The school has been helping them through collections of clothes and other materials from donors inside and outside the country.
There are 19 visually-impaired students at the school and two of them have already passed the SLC level. The school has adopted an integrated classroom policy under which both able and physically disable children study together.
The locals from Myagdi who are currently residing in Hong Kong and various organizations have provided financial help, including a revolving fund of Rs. 1.1 million.
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