Breaking Barriers for the Visually Impaired

We are proud to share our recent achievements as we have completed the first quarter of this academic year 2016-17. 

At the start of the academic year, we grouped students based on their previous’ year performance. This helped us in ensuring that students of the same level could be given similar attention. This provided great improvements on both the teaching methods that were used and also on the level of assimilation by the students. Over the course of the year, tutors had open dialogues with the students to assess their learning abilities which gave great feedback to adjust classes and teaching methods in virtually real-time. Due to one of these discussions, it was decided that a completely new group had to be created for students who required additional learning guidance, care and affection due to their troubled background.

On a regular basis we conduct conference-call meetings between all tutors to internally provide feedback on students and on teaching methodologies so that improvements can be made and new ways developed.  During this quarter we had the possibility of discussing with Ms. Ann Parsons who is an expert in tutoring visually impaired students. Her experience and knowledge helped us in improving our teaching strategies. 

“The visually challenged students are usually shy because they are not encouraged to question. Ask them leading questions. Each student is unique. The same teaching technique may not apply to all. Teach them the words/sentences which are applicable in their everyday life, it will be easy to relate to and remember.” – Ms. Ann Parsons. 

We are seeing tremendous positive outcomes through Ann Moideen’s efforts to empower the low vision children and youth to use technology to their advantage, here is the outcome of her efforts. 

Our computer classes which are being conducted on weekends are a great success stories with children previously feeling marginalized are now feeling empowered as they learn how to type and perform tasks using specialized Jaw software. 

Volunteers are also being empowered as they feel their great work is leaving real benefit to the children and the world in general. 

Kavita, one of our tutors, mentioned how “after coming to US, I felt a void, that void was filled through online volunteering. Now I give just a couple of hours a week and this already is enabling students to continue their education.  I feel it’s my responsibility to bring education for all. Now I feel I am part of a bigger family. When class is over my students could not believe how time has flown…it’s such an immense satisfaction”

“The basic need of these children is love and care along with constant motivation. The education Ann Foundation is giving them is making independent and better as individuals.” – Shobana – Volunteer Tutor.

Another volunteer Srivardhini told us: “This experience has been a great learning experience for me.  I have become more understanding of these marginalized children, now I feel real empathy”.

Our work is full of sacrifices and challenges but the success stories we see more than justifies it.  We continue our work to bring education for all especially the marginalized children.