Education India Project #59111

Procurement and distribution of Assistive devices

by Mitra Jyothi

Procurement and distribution of Assistive devices

Project Report | Oct 8, 2025
Technology, a Bridge to Independence and Inclusion

By Asha Shridhar | Executive Director

Empowering Dreams through Technology

Introduction

Mitra Jyothi, a non-profit organization based in Bengaluru, has been working tirelessly since 1990 to empower persons with visual impairment (VI) through education, training, and access to assistive technology. As part of our ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide and promote inclusion, Mitra Jyothi undertook a project for the Procurement and Distribution of Assistive Devices aimed at enhancing accessibility, independence, and learning opportunities for visually impaired students and professionals from marginalized communities.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the project were:

To provide assistive technology tools that enable independent learning and digital empowerment of visually impaired individuals.
To support higher education students in accessing digital learning resources and online classes.
To enhance employability and livelihood opportunities for VI professionals through access to digital tools.
To promote inclusion and equitable access to technology among persons with visual impairment from underprivileged backgrounds.
To encourage the benefits of using the White Cane – a sign of Independence and respect.

Beneficiary Details

The project benefitted a total of 80 visually impaired individuals from marginalized societies across Karnataka and neighbouring states.

15 Smartphones to VI Students pursuing higher education - For accessing online classes, digital books, educational apps, and communication

5 Laptops to VI & Motor disabled Professionals - To support professional work, documentation, and communication

2 DAISY Devices to VI Professionals - For accessible reading and information access

2 Desktops to VI Entrepreneur (Cybercafe, Davanagere) - To support income generation through accessible digital services

56 Road Safety & Mobility Kits/White Cane to VI Beneficiaries – To support mobility and independence

Implementation Process

Identification of Beneficiaries:

Potential beneficiaries were identified through applications received from VI students and professionals. Priority was given to individuals from economically weaker and marginalized backgrounds.

Assessment of Need:

Each application was evaluated based on educational or professional requirement, current accessibility tools available, and potential impact of the device on the individual’s growth.

Procurement:

The devices were procured from verified Foundations and vendors ensuring compatibility with assistive software such as screen readers (Talkback, NVDA, JAWS) and DAISY reading tools.

Distribution:

A formal distribution program was organized at Mitra Jyothi, Bengaluru on 22^nd September 2025. The beneficiaries received orientation on device usage, accessibility settings, and installation of required assistive applications.

Follow-up and Support:

Post-distribution, Mitra Jyothi’s technical team continues to provide remote guidance and troubleshooting support to ensure optimal use of the devices.

Impact and Outcomes

Educational Empowerment: The smartphones enabled 15 higher education students to access online study materials, attend virtual classes, and communicate effectively with peers and teachers.
Professional Growth: The laptops and DAISY devices provided to VI professionals enhanced their productivity, access to digital resources, and employability.
Entrepreneurial Support: The two desktops provided to a visually impaired entrepreneur in Davanagere helped establish a small accessible cybercafé, promoting self-reliance and livelihood generation.
Digital Inclusion: The initiative significantly reduced the technology gap among visually impaired individuals from low-income backgrounds.
Mobility Empowerment: Enhanced the independence, confidence, and safety of visually impaired beneficiaries, empowering them to navigate their surroundings with greater ease, dignity, and assurance, while promoting inclusive mobility and self-reliance in their daily lives.

Conclusion

The Procurement and Distribution of Assistive Devices project by Mitra Jyothi has created a tangible impact on the lives of visually impaired individuals by enabling education, employment, entrepreneurship and mobility.

By providing accessible technology, the project reaffirmed Mitra Jyothi’s mission of Empowering the Visually Impaired through Education and Technology.

Continuous support and follow-up will be provided to all beneficiaries to ensure sustained use and maximum benefit of the devices. Mitra Jyothi remains committed to expanding such initiatives to reach more individuals in need across Karnataka and beyond.

Empowering Education through Technology

Entrepreneurship in Action

Moments of Joy and Independence

Smiles of Independence

technology for Inclusion

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