Question

What are the main objectives of the Braille Literacy Programme initiated by KSLMA?

1. To eliminate illiteracy among visually challenged individuals.
2. To integrate visually challenged individuals into the mainstream education system.
3. To certify visually challenged individuals only in basic Braille reading, not writing.

• A. 2, 3
• B. ഇവയൊന്നുമല്ല
• C. 1, 2
• D. 2

Answer 1

Answer:

C. 1, 2

Braille Literacy Programme by KSLMA: Objectives and Significance

About KSLMA (Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority)

• KSLMA is an autonomous institution under the General Education Department, Government of Kerala.

• It plays a pivotal role in promoting continuing education, equivalency education, and various literacy initiatives targeting different sections of society, including marginalized groups, across the state.

Historical Context of Braille

• The Braille system is a tactile writing and reading system specifically designed for people who are visually impaired.

• It was invented by Louis Braille in France in the early 19th century (specifically, around 1824-1829).

• Braille has been a transformative tool, offering unprecedented access to literacy, knowledge, and independence for millions of visually impaired individuals worldwide.

Objectives of the Braille Literacy Programme

• Elimination of Illiteracy among Visually Challenged Individuals:

• A primary objective is to empower visually challenged individuals by equipping them with the fundamental skill of literacy through Braille.

• This enables them to access information, knowledge, and communicate effectively, thereby breaking significant barriers to education, employment, and social participation.

• Integration into the Mainstream Education System:

• By imparting comprehensive Braille literacy, the program aims to facilitate the seamless inclusion of visually challenged students into regular schools and higher education institutions.

• This initiative strongly supports the concept of inclusive education, ensuring equal opportunities for learning, personal growth, and professional development alongside their sighted peers.

• It aligns with the spirit of the Right to Education Act and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (2016), which mandate inclusive educational environments.

• Addressing the Misconception about "Reading, Not Writing":

• True Braille literacy encompasses both reading and writing skills. Limiting the program to only reading would severely restrict the ability of visually challenged individuals to express themselves independently and engage in full communication.

• The KSLMA program aims for comprehensive Braille proficiency, enabling individuals not only to interpret existing texts but also to compose their own, take notes, and engage in written communication independently.

Significance and Connection to the Kerala Model of Development

• This program is a clear reflection of the Kerala Model of Development, which is globally recognized for its emphasis on high human development indicators, robust social welfare programs, and inclusive growth strategies, even with relatively lower per capita income.

• It underscores Kerala's deep commitment to ensuring that no section of society, especially marginalized groups, is left behind in the pursuit of education, empowerment, and overall societal progress.

• Such initiatives contribute significantly to reducing social disparities, fostering equity, and building a more inclusive and just society.