Project Eyeway’s Post

Name: Project Eyeway on LinkedIn: #blindeducation #disabilityinclusion #universityforall #india…
Uploaded: 2024-08-23T06:52:25.097Z
Duration: 4 min 37 s
Channel: Project Eyeway

Project Eyeway

678 followers

4mo

In this video, we explore the idea of a university designed specifically for blind and visually impaired individuals in India. While it sounds like a positive step toward inclusion, there might be unintended consequences. We discuss potential challenges like: 1️⃣ Social Isolation: Could an exclusive university create a "blind ghetto" hindering integration into mainstream society? 2️⃣ Faculty Concerns: Will these universities attract top-tier educators and specialists for blind students? 3️⃣ STEM Education Gap: Are there established teaching methods for complex subjects like math and science for the visually impaired? 4️⃣ Mainstreaming Challenges: Might exclusive universities lead to other universities closing their doors to blind students? This video is not meant to dismiss the importance of accessibility in education. It's a call for thoughtful discussion on the best way to achieve true inclusion for blind students in higher education. #BlindEducation #DisabilityInclusion #UniversityForAll #India #STEMEducation

Transcript

(Transcribed by TurboScribe.ai. Go Unlimited to remove this message.) Recently I was reading about, in one of the newspapers, about a university project in Odisha. A university specially being created exclusively for blind and visually impaired people. On the face of it, it sounds like a romantic idea, a great idea where, you know, in the world where access is a problem and a challenge, having an exclusive university or a college or an education system sounds interesting and great. But I think there is a lot of challenges, a lot of issues here. Number one, when you are talking about an exclusive university for the blind, you are actually packing blind people into a ghetto. You know, people, you know, we live in a, we are a social animal. Human beings are social animals. We live in a society. We engage with people. Now, if for the first 24 years of life, blind people are going to be living in a blind school and then into a blind university, when they come out, they would be about 24 or 25. And it would be difficult for them to get into the mainstream. Number two, I do not know whether a university that's exclusively meant for the blind would attract good talent in terms of faculty. So going by the experience of blind schools in many parts of the country, you know, they don't attract the best of talents when it comes to teaching staff, rehab professionals, special educators, technology people. You know, it's not the best of talent. Let's not mince words here. Let's not, you know, put things under the carpet here. You know, it is a second, second hand kind of treatment. The third thing is, you know, traditionally we found that after class eight, blind people are not taught mathematics and science. The reason for it is the pedagogy for teaching blind people maths or science is not evolved. Teachers do not know how to teach or transfer knowledge in these two domains to blind people because primarily mathematics and science are taught with visual aids. You write on the blackboard, you do experiments. Of course, today there is a thrust towards STEM education for the blind, but it's in a very nascent stage. People are trying to use technology to bring that in. But what I was trying to say was the tendency is that when a subject or some content is difficult, knowledge is difficult to transfer. It is compromised. An alternative subject is provided. For example, in schools when mathematics could not be taught, blind people were taught music or handicraft. If that is the mentality with which we are moving forward, think of what might happen at the university when there are topics and subjects which are complex, where pedagogic support is not available. Then they will just say, let's not teach this. Let's give them an alternative by which you are diluting the education. The other thing is that when you create exclusive islands of education for the blind, other universities where blind people are being admitted today because of the 1% reservation, they will slowly start closing their doors and saying that if there are universities for the blind, I think blind people should go there. So it is going to be a situation where you are pushing blind people, though you think you are providing them with education and higher education and so on, but unwittingly you are actually pushing them towards the margins. Is that something that we want?

To view or add a comment, sign in

More Relevant Posts

NCSSS

422 followers
9mo
Report this post
Research unveils effective STEM program models for high school students from historically marginalized communities: https://ow.ly/O7tw50QQkls #STEMeducation #STEMschools #STEMteachers #STEMstudents #STEMleaders #STEMprograms
Like Comment
To view or add a comment, sign in
Makers' Muse

3,890 followers
4mo
Report this post
As an educator we often find ourselves lost in thought, gazing at the young, curious minds that fill my classroom. Their eyes, full of wonder and potential, remind me of the boundless possibilities that lie ahead. As a STEM educator in a nation as diverse and complex as India, my role extends far beyond imparting knowledge. It’s about nurturing young minds, igniting passions, and most importantly, creating a safe haven where they can flourish without fear. It's a daunting responsibility. Every day, I walk into a classroom that is not just a place of learning, but a sanctuary. A space where every child feels valued, respected, and protected. It’s a promise I make to myself and to the innocent souls entrusted in my care. Incidents in Kolkata was a stark reminder of the shadows that lurk in our society, even within the sacred walls of our educational institutions. It ignited a fire within me, a determination to create a classroom that was not just intellectually stimulating, but emotionally secure. Creating a safe environment for our students, especially girls, is not just a moral imperative, it's a fundamental right. It’s about fostering a culture of respect, empathy, and equality. It's about empowering our students to speak up without fear, to report any misconduct without hesitation. As STEM educators, we have a unique responsibility. We are shaping the minds that will drive our nation's progress. Our classrooms are not just laboratories for scientific exploration, but also incubators for character building. By creating a safe and inclusive environment, we are not only protecting our students but also preparing them to be responsible, compassionate, and ethical citizens. Let us pledge to create classrooms where every child feels seen, heard, and valued. Let us be the guardians of their dreams, the protectors of their innocence. Let us build a generation of confident, empowered individuals who can contribute meaningfully to our society. Remember, every classroom is a potential sanctuary. Let’s make it a reality. Together, we can create a brighter future for our children. #SafeLearningEnvironment #STEMEducation #WomenInSTEM #ChildSafety #India #makersmuse #womanempowerment
Like Comment
To view or add a comment, sign in
Akash T N

Pursuing PGDM from SDMIMD (2023-25)
10mo
Report this post
Empowering Visually Impaired Children Through Inclusive Education: Vision Empower Trust in their mission to provide quality STEM education for visually impaired children in India. We are proud to spotlight the work of Vision Empower Trust (VET), a Bengaluru-based organization making a significant impact in the field of inclusive education. VET's mission is to empower visually impaired children by providing them with high-quality STEM education resources and fostering a culture of opportunity. They develop innovative learning kits, accessible online platforms, and teacher training programs, all designed to bridge the gap and equip these children with the tools they need to succeed. Through strategic partnerships and a unwavering commitment to quality and equity, VET is breaking down barriers and ensuring no child is left behind. DOI : 10.13140/RG.2.2.32043.00806 #Empowerment #InclusiveEducation #socialimpact #SocialEnterprise Authored alongside Yogeshwar B Bhumika Urs Gurukiran DR Pragna Shetty
Like Comment
To view or add a comment, sign in
Women in Tech Tribe

406 followers
3mo
Report this post
The Power of STEM Education: Why It Matters and How Parents Can Make It Happen at Home and School - https://buff.ly/3Xy1KDm #empoweringwomen #empoweringgirls #girlsinSTEM #womeninSTEM #womenintech #STEMeducation
Like Comment
To view or add a comment, sign in
NCSSS

422 followers
9mo
Report this post
Three steps to enhance inclusivity in STEM classrooms: https://ow.ly/qFxl50QVIpy #STEMeducation #STEMschools #STEMteachers #STEMstudents #STEMleaders #STEMprograms
Like Comment
To view or add a comment, sign in
Roel De Haas

Founder bij de Haas Associates
3mo
Report this post
mEducation with the focus on STEM education in Washington DC. inclusive Education becomes more and more important as we see how many children have no acces to school #benetech# InclusiveEducation #technology#AIsolutions
3 Comments
Like Comment
To view or add a comment, sign in
NCSSS

422 followers
4mo
Report this post
Alternative STEM education: A noncollege path to jobs for students from underrepresented groups: https://ow.ly/jTM350SRuq3 #STEM #STEMeducation #STEMstudents #STEMlearning
Like Comment
To view or add a comment, sign in
Griddly Kids Inc.

93 followers
6mo
Report this post
Latest research shows the growing importance of integrating arts into STEM education. Here’s how our kits make a difference. #STEAM #EducationTrend https://lnkd.in/gc4ekEib
Like Comment
To view or add a comment, sign in
Strongwell

4,659 followers
2w
Report this post
This week's #stemeducation focus piece discusses the public perception of STEMED and its progress over the years. https://lnkd.in/eJCBbyXb

Many Americans Think K-12 STEM Ed Lags Behind Peer Nations. They’re Half-Right

https://www.the74million.org
Like Comment
To view or add a comment, sign in
GPSN

773 followers
7mo
Report this post
A new Pew Research Center shows that most Americans think U.S. K-12 STEM education isn’t above average, but test results paint a mixed picture https://lnkd.in/db4s-yQN #STEMEducation #PewResearch #K12Education #STEMStudents #EducationReform #STEMResults
Like Comment
To view or add a comment, sign in

678 followers

View Profile Follow

Project Eyeway’s Post

Transcript

More Relevant Posts

Explore topics