Civic body plans to launch smartphone for the blind

THANE: The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) is planning to launch a unique cellphone for the visually challenged to make them independent.

A part of TMC’s initiative termed as ‘ray of light’ is a concept inspired from The Central Library for the Blind, Visually Impaired and Handicapped at Netanya, Israel.

Integrated with sensor technology, including light and motion sensors, panic button, remote assistance, navigation, object recognition to name a few, civic officials said the project is currently in its nascent stage.

A civic official said, “The

gadget

is an attempt to make the visually impaired more independent and familiar to the world of technology. With this device they will be in a better position to connect with friends and family members while travelling alone. Apart from making and receiving calls through the device, they will also be able to connect to social networking platforms and other entertainment services via mobile applications.”

With a budget of Rs 2 crore being allotted for the device, the project is expected to be completed in about two years. Although talks have not yet been initiated, it is said that the

National Association

for the Blind may be one of the organisations that would be roped in to help the civic administration. Pallavi Kadam, executive director of the National Association for the Blind, Mumbai, said, “At our center, we have trained the visually challenged to use smartphones with the latest technology, the results of which are remarkable. It is good to know that other civic bodies are also adopting this concept.”

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