Education India Project #59111

Procurement and distribution of Assistive devices

by Mitra Jyothi

Procurement and distribution of Assistive devices

Project Report | Jun 23, 2025
Every Device, A Step Towards Inclusion

By Asha Shridhar | Executive Director

Accessible Chess - Strategy, Focus, Fun

The last three months at Mitra Jyothi have been full of life-changing moments. Contributions from our donors have enabled us to procure and distribute a wide range of assistive devices that are directly transforming the lives of individuals with visual impairment.

What We Achieved Together:

Assistive Device

Quantity Distributed

Smart Phones - 5

Laptops - 2

Digital Wallets - 17

Smart Canes - 20

DAISY Players - 4

Accessible Chess Boards - 4

Accessible Ludo Boards - 2

Accessible Snake & Ladder Boards - 2

Audible Cricket Balls - 6

The Impact You Made Possible:

Unlocking Digital Access:
With smartphones and laptops in hand, our visually impaired beneficiaries can now access online education, skill development courses, employment portals, and vital communication platforms—bridging the digital gap and opening doors to new opportunities.

Promoting Independence & Safety:
Smart canes have given 20 individuals newfound confidence to move safely and independently through their communities, reducing reliance on others and promoting personal freedom.

Financial Empowerment:
Digital wallets have empowered 17 individuals to manage their finances independently, participate in cash transactions, and navigate an increasingly digital economy with ease.

Bringing Joy and Recreation:
Accessible board games and cricket equipment have provided not just entertainment, but also avenues for cognitive development, inclusion, and social interaction, ensuring holistic well-being.

Enabling Lifelong Learning:
DAISY players are helping our students access educational materials in accessible formats, promoting continuous learning and personal growth.

Stories of Change:
Every device distributed tells a story of courage and determination. For some, it's the first step towards higher education; for others, it’s a tool that allows them to work, travel, or simply enjoy a game with friends and family. Your support has made these moments possible.

Looking Ahead:
With your continued generosity, we hope to reach even more individuals in the coming months, providing them with the tools they need to lead independent, empowered, and fulfilling lives.

Thank You!
Your kindness is changing lives every day. Together, we are building a more inclusive world.

Technology unlocking new possibilities

Distribution of Assistive Device - Smart Phone

Joy of Independence with every step. White Cane

Creating moments of joy and connections. Play Ludo

Snakes & Ladders. Inclusion through simple joys

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Feb 26, 2025
Empowering Lives Through Assistive Technology

By Asha Shridhar | Executive Director

Bridging the Digital Divide

At Mitra Jyothi, we strive to empower visually impaired individuals by providing them with assistive devices that enhance their independence, mobility, and access to education and employment. Through generous contributions from corporate partners, individual donors, and global fundraising platforms, we have successfully procured and distributed a range of assistive devices to our beneficiaries.

Procurement of Assistive Devices

The following assistive devices were procured through various funding sources and partnerships:

Corporate Donation – Accenture

5 Laptops: To support digital literacy, skill development, and accessibility for visually impaired individuals.

6 Smartphones: To enable communication, learning, and access to assistive applications that enhance daily living.

ALIMCO Partnership

In association with Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), Mitra Jyothi facilitated the procurement of:

Smartphones and Smart Canes for over 280 beneficiaries: These assistive devices help visually impaired individuals navigate safely and integrate technology into their lives for enhanced independence.

Individual Donations

5 Daisy Players: Generously donated by individual contributors, these specialized audio devices allow visually impaired users to access books, educational content, and information in an accessible format.

GlobalGiving Contributions

The donations received through GlobalGiving were utilized to procure additional assistive devices for visually impaired beneficiaries, ensuring sustained access to essential tools that support their learning and mobility.

Distribution of Assistive Devices

All the above-mentioned devices were distributed to visually impaired beneficiaries, ensuring they received the necessary tools to improve their quality of life. Through organized distribution events and one-on-one sessions, Mitra Jyothi ensured that recipients were trained in using these devices effectively.

Impact and Conclusion

The distribution of assistive devices has significantly enhanced the mobility, communication, and learning capabilities of our beneficiaries. Laptops and smartphones have provided access to education and employment opportunities, while smart canes and Daisy players have improved navigation and information accessibility.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Accenture, ALIMCO, individual donors, and GlobalGiving supporters for their generous contributions. Their support is instrumental in creating digital inclusion and empowering the visually impaired community. We look forward to continuing these efforts and expanding our reach to more beneficiaries in the future.

Smart Tools for a Smarter Future

Access to Learning, Access to Life

Assistive devices enabling independence

ALIMCO Event

Links:

Attachments:

Technology for Inclusion (PDF)

6 Attachments

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Nov 5, 2024
Empowering Lives- Impact of Assistive Devices

By Asha Shridhar | Executive Director

#AccessibilityMatters #SmartphoneForAll"

Introduction

Assistive devices have become essential tools for empowering visually impaired individuals, offering them greater independence, accessibility, and opportunities in both personal and professional spheres. Devices such as smartphones, white canes, DAISY players, and laptops/computers have revolutionized the lives of visually impaired individuals, enabling them to participate actively in everyday activities, education, and the workforce.

Mitra Jyothi coordinates with Govt agencies, corporates and donors to procure these devices.

This year in collaboration with ALIMCO (Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India) we distributed 257 smart phones and smart canes to visually impaired individuals.

We distributed 15 Daisy Players to students who are pursuing higher education in college.

This report highlights the ways in which these devices aid visually impaired individuals and foster a more inclusive environment.

1. Smartphones

Smartphones, particularly those with accessibility features such as screen readers, magnification options, and voice assistants, have transformed the way visually impaired individuals communicate and navigate the world. Applications designed specifically for accessibility, such as VoiceOver for iOS, TalkBack for Android, and third-party apps like Be My Eyes and Seeing AI, have made smartphones indispensable tools.

Personal Benefits: Smartphones allow visually impaired individuals to independently read text, recognize objects, navigate unfamiliar areas, and access audio-visual content. Features such as GPS and navigation apps provide directions and location guidance, enabling them to travel with confidence.

Professional Benefits: Smartphones facilitate access to emails, document management, communication apps, and digital calendars, ensuring visually impaired professionals can manage tasks and collaborate effectively in workplace settings.

2. White Canes

White canes are among the most recognizable and essential tools for visually impaired individuals. They are used for mobility and safe navigation, helping the user identify obstacles, stairs, and other potential hazards in their environment. They are a symbol of respect and independence for the visually impaired.

Personal Benefits: The white cane allows individuals to move safely and independently, giving them confidence to navigate public spaces, travel, and manage daily errands without reliance on others.

Professional Benefits: In professional settings, the white cane helps visually impaired individuals move freely within workplace environments, fostering a sense of autonomy and confidence that enables them to focus on their work responsibilities without worrying about mobility challenges.

3. DAISY Players

DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System) players are devices specifically designed for individuals with print disabilities, enabling them to listen to audiobooks, documents, and other audio content. DAISY players provide an accessible reading format, making it easier for visually impaired users to study, work, and enjoy literature.

Personal Benefits: DAISY players allow users to listen to a wide variety of books, newspapers, and magazines in audio format, enriching their educational and personal lives. The structured audio format also enables easy navigation within texts, allowing users to jump between pages or chapters effortlessly, book mark and highlight important text.

Professional Benefits: For students and professionals, DAISY players are invaluable for reading academic materials, professional journals, and other documents necessary for education or career advancement, helping visually impaired individuals keep up with information-intensive professions and courses.

4. Laptops and Computers

Laptops and computers, equipped with screen readers and other accessibility software, are essential for visually impaired individuals in both educational and professional settings. Programs like JAWS (Job Access with Speech), NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access), and built-in screen readers (e.g., VoiceOver on Mac) enable users to access and interact with digital content.

Personal Benefits: Laptops and computers provide visually impaired users with access to a wide array of resources, including online courses, social media, news, and entertainment, enhancing both social engagement and personal development. They also enable access to government services and online banking, improving self-reliance in daily life.

Professional Benefits: In the workplace, laptops and computers allow visually impaired individuals to perform tasks like document creation, data analysis, presentations, and research, thus opening doors to a wider range of job opportunities. Access to professional software and communication platforms also enhances their productivity and enables effective collaboration with colleagues.

Conclusion

Assistive devices such as smartphones, white canes, DAISY players, and laptops/computers play a crucial role in bridging the accessibility gap for visually impaired individuals. By enabling personal independence, enhancing educational pursuits, and supporting professional engagement, these tools have a profound impact on the quality of life of visually impaired people. With continued advancements in assistive technology and increasing accessibility awareness, these devices will continue to empower visually impaired individuals, fostering a more inclusive society where everyone can participate equally and fully in all aspects of life.

Access to Knowledge! Screen readers

Empowering Professionals

Learning made accessible

Multi-sensory learning at its best

Navigating with confidence

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