The graduation of blind students from the National Association for the Blind, Karnataka (NAB-K), is a significant achievement. It demonstrates the power of accessibility and specialised training in empowering individuals with visual impairments to succeed in technology-related fields.
The ‘Basic Computer Training Program’ at the NAB-K has trained over 1,000 visually impaired individuals in the past 24 years. Each batch covers various digital skills essential for both life and work, including keyboard orientation, Non-visual Desktop Access (NVDA) screen reader software, Windows OS, and MS Office. To further empower the trainees, additional training is provided in assistive technology programs, such as Smart Vision Glass, Hear Sight, and U Reader
On 28th March 2025, NAB-K hosted a graduation ceremony for the 55th batch of this program. The ceremony marked the culmination of a four-month journey for eighteen visually impaired trainees from various parts of India. This training program helped enhance their digital literacy, employability, and independence.
Our chief guests, Rajesh (CEO, NAB-K), Gopal Padmanabhan (VP, NAB-K), and governing council members Hema Hattangady and Somashekhar presented the certificates to the newly graduatedtrainees.
Of the eighteen students enrolled, fourteen successfully graduated, and a few have already secured employment opportunities. Shailaja, a graduate of this program, works for Maini Plastic. She handles purchase order follow, customer relationships, and uses Excel. Kiran Kumar works for Zing HR as a customer success executive. He follows up with customers, calls them, sends emails and update it all Excel.
Others plan to pursue higher education or entrepreneurship. NAB-K conducted awareness sessions on employment, government benefits, financial literacy, and activities, including a walkathon, Braille competitions, and health camps, to complement the students’ learning experience.
The ceremony included heartfelt success stories from trainees who shared the challenges they overcame and their favourite moments of the program. The ceremony reminded us that, with the right opportunities and support, individuals can overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness.
