Project Vision Empowerment: Enabling Independence for the Blind

In collaboration with SurKuti, a school for the blind in Agra, I initiated Project Vision Empowerment to support visually impaired students. My journey with SurKuti began during high school when I visited the institution and interacted with its 40 students. Through these conversations, I recognized the challenges they faced and the opportunities to make a meaningful impact. Since then, I have been actively working to enhance their learning experiences and overall well-being, ensuring they have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.

Project Vision Empowerment is a student-led initiative aimed at supporting blind students at a local blind school by providing financial sustainability, employment opportunities, and assistive technology. The project focuses on enhancing their production capabilities, advocating for inclusive hiring, and integrating technological solutions for greater independence.

Objectives:

  1. Sustainability Support: Raise funds and provide resources for their production of cardboard boxes, chalk, candles, and envelopes.
  2. Employment & Collaboration: Connect the school with organizations willing to employ blind individuals based on their skills.
  3. Showcasing Talent: Organize a conference where blind students demonstrate their work and resilience, inspiring businesses and individuals to support their cause.
  4. Assistive Technology: Introduce GPS-enabled smart sticks to enhance their mobility and productivity, leveraging their smartphone usage.
  5. Skill Development: Conduct Excel and digital skills workshops to enhance their computer literacy and job-readiness.
  6. Connect them to other blind schools for various resources like books or educational material 
  7. To connect them to the citizens of Agra. As this place is not at a very convenient location the volunteering which is received by the special schools inside the city is much more. My aim is to improve that number. 
  8. To source books in Braille. This school needs someone to order and source for them things like audiobooks and introduce them to certain AI which makes them as efficient as mainstream so that they can be absorbed in the workforce. 

Objectives:

  1. Sustainable Support: Raise funds and provide essential resources to support the production of cardboard boxes, chalk, candles, and envelopes, ensuring long-term sustainability. 

  1. Employment & Collaboration: Establish connections between the school and organizations willing to employ blind individuals, matching their skills with suitable job opportunities.

  2. Showcasing Talent: Organize a conference where blind students can demonstrate their skills and resilience, inspiring businesses and individuals to invest in their potential.

  3. Assistive Technology: Introduce GPS-enabled smart sticks to improve mobility and productivity, leveraging their familiarity with smartphones to enhance independence.

  4. Skill Development: Conduct workshops on Excel and digital skills to enhance computer literacy and job readiness, equipping students with tools for professional growth.

  5. Resource Networking: Build connections with other blind schools to facilitate the exchange of books, educational materials, and resources.

  6. Community Engagement: Increase local awareness and volunteer participation by bridging the gap between the school and Agra’s citizens, ensuring sustained support despite its remote location.

  7. Accessible Learning Materials: Source books in Braille, arrange for audiobooks, and introduce AI-driven tools to enhance efficiency, enabling students to integrate seamlessly into the workforce.

Implementation Plan:

  • Fundraising Campaign: Organize donation drives, crowdfunding campaigns, and product sales to generate financial support.
  • Corporate Outreach: Partner with businesses to create internship and job opportunities for blind individuals.
  • Empowerment Conference: Invite industry leaders, NGOs, and policymakers to witness blind students’ capabilities and encourage hiring.
  • Tech Integration: Collaborate with tech experts to design affordable GPS smart sticks and train students on their use.
  • Skill Training: Conduct workshops on Microsoft Excel and digital tools to enhance employability.

Impact:

  • Opened 8 chapters across nation
  • Raised $18000 for support and financial stability for the school.
  • Helped employ 26 blind students in various organisations.
  • Greater public awareness and were able to get corporate involvement.
  • Enhanced mobility and independence through assistive technology on their phones.
  • Improved digital literacy and career readiness by conducting classes and workshops.

1. Product Marketing & E-commerce Support

  • Help the blind school sell their handmade products (cardboard boxes, chalk, candles, envelopes) online through platforms like Amazon, Etsy, or a custom website.
  • Create an Instagram & WhatsApp Business account for them to increase their reach and sales.
  • Collaborate with local businesses and retail stores to place their products in stores.
  • Create their website to enable donations, product sales, volunteering opportunities and to put information about the place and operations. It’s important to have a website to mark our presence. 

2. Tech & Innovation for Accessibility

  • GPS Smart Sticks: Partner with engineering students or tech clubs to create affordable GPS-enabled smart sticks that provide real-time navigation assistance.
  • AI-powered Assistance: Work on integrating AI-based voice assistants that can help them in emails and communication

 

4. Fundraising & Sustainability

  • Corporate Sponsorships: Approach CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) wings of companies to support the school financially or provide resources.
  • “Adopt-a-Student” Program: Allow people to sponsor a blind student by covering their education, technology, or medical needs.
  • Community Crowdfunding: Run online campaigns to raise funds for school upgrades, better equipment, and training programs.