more-in In an effort to make libraries more inclusive, Bangalore University as instructed its affiliated colleges and departments to stock books and journals in Braille and audio formats for the benefit of visually challenged students. B.K. Ravi, Registrar (Administration) of Bangalore University, said that the purpose was to make sure that visually challenged students have access to material they require in the relevant technology. The university, besides making Braille books available, will also update computers with the necessary software and audio clips for students. BU has issued a circular to colleges and departments with instructions to also ensure that libraries are accessible to people with disabilities. “They have been instructed to put up ramps at the earliest. Currently, 60% of the buildings in our university have ramps. We plan to ensure that the remaining buildings get a ramp at the earliest,” he said, adding that students can also approach the university if they need any other form of assistance. Rudresh S., an undergraduate student who is visually challenged, commended the move. “It is extremely difficult to get books in Braille in colleges. Currently, we have to depend on audio recordings of the lectures to learn our syllabus.” BU already has a Braille Resource Centre that was established in 2012 with the aim of promoting higher education among visually challenged students and facilitating their career goals. K.R. Venugopal, Vice Chancellor of Bangalore University, said, “Making libraries disabled friendly cannot be done only by constructing ramps. Colleges should also ensure the availability of e-books so that students do not have to search for them in the racks.” Wheelchairs will be made available to students in the varsity, he added.

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