New Delhi: Until ​recently, Naresh had no idea that an elephant has a trunk and a deer has antlers. Naresh is visually impaired. However, now he knows.

This tactile graphic book is helping him learn shapes.

“If I want to understand what a triangle looks like, either someone can draw it on my palm or I can imagine it – tri means three but I don’t know what angles are,” says Naresh.

All kinds of graphs and images are described in braille as well.

Tactile graphics are images that have been raised above the surface. Naresh runs his fingers over the raised lines and textures to know about a shape.

Tactile graphics have been designed by AssisTech Lab at IIT, Delhi. Here, innovation isn’t just about gadgets; it is about enabling independence with a focus on mobility and education.

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SmartCane is yet another innovation from this group of scientists here.

This cane vibrates each time there is an object a few meters away alerting its holder about the upcoming obstacle. Mohit Kejriwal, Assistive Technology Researcher and Trainer at IIT Delhi explains,

“An electronic unit is fitted on top of a regular cane. The unit has two sensors which detect objects in front of a person, from knee to head.”

Indoors, the device detects objects within 1.5 meters and outdoors, it works up to 3 meters.

“It helps visually impaired people move independently and safely,” says Mohit.

Yet another device developed by AssisTech is TacRead. It has a braille display that helps visually impaired people read digital text. TacRead device is connected to a mobile or laptop either via Bluetooth or USB or a memory card.

“Paper-embossed braille is bulky, expensive, and short-lived,” explains Mohit, “TacRead makes education more inclusive.”

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