Bookshare Asia and Africa

30/05/2025

The Saksharta Kit, developed under the Project Jyoti CSR partnership between Benetech and mjunction, is a comprehensive digital literacy toolkit for students with visual impairments. The kit includes an Android phone, headphones, USB keyboard, white cane, mobile stand, and a signing guide—each carefully selected to support independent learning, mobility, and access to accessible educational content. In this video, Dr. Homiyar Mobedji and Piya Nandi explain how this initiative is transforming lives by making digital empowerment a reality.

The kit was designed in collaboration with TorchIT, led by Hunny Bugchandani, to ensure it meets the unique needs of visually impaired learners.

We at Benetech look forward to distributing these kits to all our partner schools and students to enable the widest spread of digital literacy among visually impaired children, helping brighten their futures.

30/05/2025

🌟Students Taking Exams Independently with Assistive Technology 🌟

The journey from dependence to independence in reading and writing.

Benetech is proud to announce a remarkable milestone, — 330 visually impaired students from our 19 partner schools across India have embraced by appearing for their school and board exams independently on computers, without the support of scribes.

A special mention goes to the 66 students from the crucial board years—39 students from Grade 10 and 27 students from Grade 12—who have taken the bold step of writing their exams independently using computers. Their determination reflects the impact of sustained training, access to the right technology, and the unwavering support of their schools and mentors.

This progress is the result of years of collaboration with our dedicated partner schools, where Benetech has been driving digital literacy initiatives. Our heartfelt thanks to mjunction services ltd, whose generous CSR partnership have provided smartphones and essential devices to students, helping them thrive academically.

As more students witness the success of their peers, we expect this movement to grow stronger. Benetech will continue to provide the training and resources necessary, ensuring that accessible content is always available on the Bookshare library—free of cost—for all print-disabled learners.

Together, we are building a future where no student is left behind.

Piya Nandi (Dutta) TorchIt

27/05/2025

🌟 Building a Stronger Foundation: Master Trainers Empowered in Kolkata 🌟
Benetech, in collaboration with mjunction services ltd, successfully conducted a Master Trainer Training at Mjunction’s Kolkata office, equipping 10 passionate teacher trainers with advanced digital literacy skills and training techniques.

Led by Dr. Homiyar Mobedji, the intensive 2-day workshop focused on sharpening training delivery, deepening understanding of assistive technologies, and introducing effective tools to foster inclusion in the classroom. From screen readers to accessible education platforms, participants gained hands-on experience with cutting-edge solutions.

Each trainer received the Saksharta Kit under Project Jyothi—an Android smartphone, USB keyboard, and headphones—under Mjunction’s CSR initiative, guided by the ever-supportive Piya Nandi (Dutta). These kits are more than just devices—they are gateways to independence and opportunity for the students these teachers will go on to support.

With the next session already on the horizon, we’re excited to see how these Master Trainers will cascade their learnings across schools and communities, building a future that’s truly inclusive.

TorchIt

01/05/2025

📱 Digital Literacy Begins for New Batch of students in Raipur 🌟

Benetech Bookshare, in collaboration with CSR partner mjunction services ltd and Ek Kadam Aur - Foundation for Education and Health, proudly launched the first phase of a new batch of student training at Raipur Samagra Shiksha, Secondary Education, empowering around 40 blind and low-vision students from various districts and schools across Chhattisgarh.

For many of these young learners, this was the first time they held a smartphone—and the curiosity and excitement on their faces spoke volumes. This training aimed to prepare them for a future where academics and accessibility go hand-in-hand.

The focus of this session was to:
🔹Introduce students to basic smartphone navigation
🔹Train them on TalkBack for blind users and Magnification features for low vision users
🔹Help them set up necessary accessibility settings
🔹Guide them through the Dolphin EasyReader app to access books from Bookshare.

All their academic books will be available through Bookshare, ensuring they can study independently, with confidence.

🎯 This is just the beginning — two more training rounds are scheduled in July and October to deepen their digital learning journey along with reading and typing using a keyboard.

🙏 Thanks to the dedicated trainers:
From Benetech – Dr. Homiyar Mobedji, Sanjog Kumawat, and Cherag Mobedji
From Ek Kadam Aur - Foundation for Education and Health – Saumya Tripathi and Ankita Sehdev
And specially to Piya Nandi from mjunction services ltd, the driving force behind this impactful CSR partnership.

Together, we are building a digitally inclusive future—one student at a time. 💙

Bookshare Asia and Africa

24/04/2025

It was an absolute honour to be part of the Me and My AT challenge at the Global Disability Summit in Berlin. isn’t just a tool—it’s freedom, confidence, and opportunity.

Grateful to ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology and the campaign for creating this powerful platform for AT users to share their stories. Let’s keep building momentum towards World Day for Assistive Technology on 4 June!

Bookshare Bookshare Asia and Africa Benetech

24/04/2025

Empowering Educators, Transforming Classrooms: Digital Training at Blind People's Association (India) BPA Ahmedabad.

A significant step forward was taken at the Blind People's Association, India (BPA), Ahmedabad, as Benetech Bookshare conducted the first phase of a Digital Education Training Program for teachers of BPA. This initiative is aimed at helping educators adopt technology-driven teaching methods to better support students with visual impairments and other disabilities.

This impactful training was driven by the vision and commitment of Mr. Bhushan Punani, Mr. Dinesh Pandya (Principal – Primary School), and Ms. Manu Chaudhary (Principal – Higher Secondary School), who are keen to see BPA fully embrace digital tools and guide students towards brighter, tech-enabled futures.

The teachers were deeply engaged and inspired, particularly by the potential of AI-based learning tools and tactile books, which opened new doors for inclusive and interactive classroom experiences.

The session was led by the dynamic Benetech team – Dr. Homiyar Mobedji, Sanjog Kumawat, Basavraj Patil, and Cherag Mobedji – who brought valuable insight and hands-on training to the educators.

This is the first of a three-part training series to be completed by year-end. From the next session onward, students will also be part of the training, making this a truly collaborative journey toward digital inclusion.

Blind People's Association (India) BPA INDIA

20/04/2025

🌍 Empowering Education Through Accessibility in Bodoland 🎓💡

I had the privilege of delivering a keynote address in Bodoland at the Global Disability Summit as part of a powerful initiative focused on , , and the of persons with disabilities.

Representing Benetech and Bookshare India, I spoke about the importance of digital content and how inclusive practices in education can transform lives. I shared stories from the field, real-world strategies, and our ongoing efforts to ensure that students with visual impairments and other print disabilities are not left behind.

📺 Watch the full keynote here: https://youtu.be/aTH700F1Suc

I am grateful for the opportunity to engage with educators, changemakers, and community leaders who are committed to building a more inclusive future for every learner.

Homiyar Mobedji Bookshare Asia and Africa

Dr. Homiyar Mobedji, representing Benetech, delivered a powerful keynote address at the Global Disability Summit 2025 in Berlin during the International Semi...

08/04/2025

🌍 Benetech at the Global Disability Summit | Berlin, Germany

Team Benetech was honoured to be invited to Berlin to showcase our Programme at the Global Disability Summit, hosted by ATscale, the Global Partnership for .

Our booth quickly became a centre of attraction, drawing visits from key dignitaries including Ministers of Education and Social Justice from Germany, Vietnam, Mauritius, Cambodia, and Jordan. We also welcomed high-ranking officials from across Africa, South Asia, Mongolia, China, and several European countries.
🔹 Representatives from various associations for the blind visited our booth and lauded the work being done to build inclusive ecosystems through accessible and affordable digital learning solutions.

💼 The Benetech booth was led by a passionate team — Roel De Haas, Lisa Wadors Verne, Dr. Homiyar Mobedji, and Zainab Chinikamwala — who engaged with dignitaries and international delegates, powerfully communicating the urgent need for inclusive education through digital assistive technologies.
The highlight of the summit was a special visit from Ms. Schulz, Minister of Education, Germany, who spent over 20 minutes at our booth engaging deeply with our team to understand our mission and impact.

🎤 Ayan Kishore, CEO of Benetech, delivered an inspiring address at the conference, emphasizing the importance of digital literacy and the need for scalable, cost-effective technologies to create inclusive education systems in developing countries.

We're optimistic and excited about expanding our impact globally following this incredible experience.

🙏 A heartfelt thank you to ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology for sponsoring our booth and supporting the travel and hospitality of two members from the Benetech delegation.

Together, we are building a world where access to information and education is a right, not a privilege. 💙

Bookshare Bookshare Asia and Africa

31/03/2025

🌟 Honored to Contribute to the Conversation on Inclusive Education! 🌟

I had the privilege of serving as a keynote speaker at the International Seminar on Changes and Strategies for Inclusivity, Accessibility, and Empowerment for Persons with Disabilities, held on March 27-28, 2025. It was an incredible opportunity to share insights on Inclusive Education using Assistive Technology and engage with experts committed to accessibility and empowerment.

The seminar was graced by esteemed dignitaries:
🔹 Prof. B.L. Ahuja – Vice Chancellor, Bodoland University
🔹 Mr. TAHA Haaziq – Secretary, Disability Commission, Govt. of Goa
🔹 Prof. A. Srinivasan – Director, CIT-Kokrajhar
🔹 Prof. Asit Das – Director, IISRR-Kolkata
🔹 Prof. S.P. Biswas – Dibrugarh University

I am grateful to the South & Southeast Asia Study Center, the Department of Economics at Bodoland University, the Indian Institute of Research and Development for Differently Abled, the Central Institute of Technology Kokrajhar, and the Indian Institute of Social Reform & Research for organizing this impactful event.

A big thank you to all the participants for their engaging discussions and commitment to driving change. Together, we are building a more inclusive future!

Benetech Bookshare Asia and Africa Bookshare

27/03/2025

Assistive technology: Transforming today and creATing futures – an upcoming exhibition at Global Disability Summit!

Join Benetech at , where we will be part of the exhibition curated by ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology, in close collaboration with the governments of Germany, Jordan, and the International Disability Alliance: “Transforming today and creATing futures.”

At Benetech, we are excited to showcase our groundbreaking work in and demonstrate how our solutions are helping to create a more accessible and inclusive world. Witness the innovation behind our , explore interactive demos, and experience firsthand how assistive technology is shaping the future.

More than a billion people with disabilities deserve equality and dignity. Let’s at !

📅 Tuesday, April 1 – Thursday, April 3, 2025
📍 STATION Berlin

👉 Visit ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology, and discover more about the exhibition: 🌐 https://ow.ly/NOlh50ViTLJ

International Disability Alliance Bookshare Asia and Africa Bookshare

The third Global Disability Summit (GDS) , hosted by the governments of Germany and Jordan, in collaboration with the International Disability Alliance (IDA), will take place in Berlin in April 2025.

23/03/2025

Empowering Educators: Making Science and Math Accessible for Visually Impaired Students

I'm thrilled to share insights from a transformative 3-day training program focused on making science and math engaging and accessible for visually impaired students. This impactful initiative was organized by Sankul Baroda, mjunction - Kolkata, and Benetech, with generous sponsorship from Deepak Foundation Baroda.

We were privileged to host experts Shantala and Savitha from Vividha Trust, Bangalore, who conducted a specialized workshop for 15 dedicated math and science teachers from 5 organizations. The core objective? To simplify complex concepts and make learning an enjoyable experience for students with visual impairments.

The Vividha team showcased remarkably simple yet effective techniques, utilizing affordable Teaching Learning Materials (TLM) that truly resonated with the participants. The teachers were deeply impressed by the practicality and impact of these methods, seeing firsthand how abstract concepts – from understanding square roots in mathematics to grasping the principles of light for totally blind students – could be made tangible and comprehensible.

This workshop marks the second in a series of collaborative efforts between Vividha Trust and Benetech, aimed at enhancing science and math education within Benetech's partner schools implementing digital literacy programs. The positive feedback and demonstrated effectiveness of these techniques highlight the importance of accessible education.

A heartfelt thank you to Sankul Baroda, mjunction, Benetech, Deepak Foundation, and Vividha Trust for their commitment to this crucial cause. We're excited to announce that future events are already being planned for Benetech's partner schools in South India, ensuring that this valuable knowledge reaches even more educators and students.

13/03/2025

🚀 Empowering Through Digital Literacy! 📚💡

Benetech, in collaboration with Sarthak Educational Trust, introduced the Program to Sarthak’s partners, highlighting the power of affordable for reading and writing.

The training, led by Dr. Homiyar Mobedji and Sanjog Kumawat from Benetech Bookshare, showcased how digital solutions are transforming education for individuals with .

A special thanks to Sarthak Educational Trust for their support in making this initiative a success! 🙌

Learn more about the training on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/HgmAw6tqE_A

NGO Bookshare Asia and Africa

Benetech and Sarthak Education Trust jointly introduced Benetech’s Digital Literacy Program to Sarthak’s partners, showcasing the power of affordable assisti...