The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-supported National Center for Assistive Health Technologies (NCAHT) at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has launched various assistive technology products for visually challenged people. Dr Rajiv Bahl, Director General, ICMR, unveiled these products in the presence of Prof. Rangan Banerjee, Director, IIT Delhi.
The recently launched assistive technology innovations by NCAHT at IIT Delhi included Shapescapes (a geometry learning kit), high-quality White Canes, and an Accessible Kit for STEM Education.
IIT Delhi, in partnership with Phoenix Medical Systems, Chennai, and Saksham Trust, with funding from the Wellcome Trust, had developed SmartCane, an electronic travel aid. It is currently used by about 150,000 people in India and abroad. SmartCane Version 2 is an improved version of the earlier product.
The NCAHT also announced that large-scale user trials of SmartCane Version 2 and Refreshable Braille Display have begun. These innovations, co-created with Saksham Trust, New Delhi, will empower visually challenged people in their independent mobility and education.
