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Braille Production Unit Welcome to the “Society for the Care of Blind”, Chandigarh’s Braille and Large Print Book Production Service. We are dedicated to ensuring that individuals with visual impairments have equal access to knowledge and literature. Our specialized service transforms printed materials into formats that are accessible and empowering, including braille and large print. Service Highlights: Braille Transcription: Our expert of braille transcription department is committed to making written content accessible to the blind. We meticulously transcribe textbooks, educational materials, and more into braille, allowing visually impaired individuals to engage with the written word independently. Braille Press is a very special unit of the ‘Society for the Care of the Blind’, Chandigarh. Being reading and writing are two most vital aspects of education for the blind as well as other students – The Society made a humble beginning in the year 1997 by introducing a  Braille Production Unit. With each passing day, the press showed greater levels of efficiency and production and is producing Braille literature in variety of languages viz. Hindi, Punjabi, English and Haryanvi etc. Besides text books, story books and other general books are also produced here. The Chandigarh Transport Untertaking (CTU) introduced guide-map and route of their buses for the visually impaired persons in Braille Script which was embossed in our Braille Press. Chandigarh Art Gallery & Museum was also helped by us by embossing the name and description of each sculpture, murals, arts, paintings etc in Braille Script. As and when required, the services of our experts are also made available to the needy organizations for the cause of blindness. For example our experts helped State Library of Chandigarh Administration to introduce Braille Embosser and Braille Literature for the welfare of the blind students, Aasha Kiran an NGO run by Chandigarh Social Welfare Department and NAB jointly was also helped by our experts in preparation of Braille literature for the blind students. Our Society’s Braille Press also helped NIVH Dehradun in preparation of Right to Information Act in Punjabi Braille Script. Religious and books for social cause like Nitnem and Dukh Bhanjni Sahib (in Gurmukhi), Aartis/Bhajans (Devnagri) and Right to Information Act (Punjabi & English) etc. were also taken up. This Braille Press prints text books of all subjects-including Science and Social Studies up to class XII. For over 15 years during General Elections the State of Punjab, Haryana and U.T. Chandigarh are assigning the job of printing Ballot Papers in Braille for the visually handicapped voters in their states to our Braille Press. Recently, the Braille Production Unit was initiated by installing a High Speed Braille Embosser. Today the Press has emerged as one of the unique Braille Press in the northern region under the able operation and dedication of the staff running this Press since 1997. The books embossed at the Braille Press are made available to the visually challenged students free of any charge, which is noteworthy. For its significant contribution in the field of production and distribution of reading materials of diverse subjects in Braille, our press is appreciated by each and everyone who visits the organization.

Music and Extra Curricular Activities Our school’s music room is a vibrant space dedicated to nurturing the musical talents of all students, including those with visual impairments. The room is well-equipped with a diverse range of musical instruments, providing students with ample opportunities to explore and learn. Instruments Available The music room houses a variety of instruments, including percussion instruments, sitar, keyboard, harmonium, dol, drums, conga, octapad, electric tanpura, bansuri (flute), sankha, and sekar. These instruments offer a comprehensive range for students to experiment with and master, fostering creativity and skill development. Inclusive Learning Environment Our visually impaired students approach these instruments with enthusiasm and dedication, learning to play them with full zeal. The music room provides an inclusive environment where students of all abilities can immerse themselves in music, enabling them to develop both individually and as part of a group. Active Participation in Programs Our students actively participate in numerous music programs across the tricity, collaborating with their peers from regular schools. This participation allows them to showcase their talents and engage in the larger music community. Additionally, we are proud to take part in the prestigious state-level Kala Utsav program, where our students perform and represent the school with great pride. Music in the Curriculum In line with the academic structure, students in classes 10th and 12th take music as a subject, with options in vocal music, instrumental music, and percussion. This allows them to formalize their passion for music while earning credits towards their education. The curriculum supports both practical learning and theoretical knowledge, ensuring a well-rounded musical education. Success Stories Our music program has paved the way for many of our students to pursue successful careers in music. Several former students are now employed as music teachers in various Government and KB schools, spreading their love for music and inspiring the next generation. Notably, one of our alumni has gained recognition as a renowned music director, further showcasing the level of talent nurtured within our school’s music program. The students take active part in the co-curricular activities like Annal Cultural Functions celebrated in the institute and musical competitions,paper-reading competitions organised by other institutions/organisations and by the Education Department at the state level. We are proud that our students always win prizes in these competitions and never come back empty handed.Our institution regularly celebrates annual days like white Cane Day,World Disabled Day and Louis Braille Day every year with due dignity.Group Songs,Poems composed by students themselves and Skits are represented by the students at the time of these celebrations.National Days like Independence Dy,Republic Day are also celebrated with pomp and show every year.

Library A Gateway to Knowledge and Empowerment At our institution, we take great pride in our well-equipped library, which serves as a crucial resource for the academic and personal growth of our students. Our library is home to more than 4,000 Braille books, a significant collection that enhances the knowledge of our visually impaired students and supports their educational journey. These Braille books span a wide range of subjects, from literature and science to social studies and history, ensuring that our students have access to a diverse and comprehensive set of resources. The library not only helps in expanding their knowledge but also plays a pivotal role in upgrading their skills, fostering a love for reading, and encouraging independent learning. The vast collection of Braille books is a testament to our commitment to providing an inclusive and empowering learning environment. By offering easy access to knowledge, we enable our students to excel academically and stay ahead in their educational pursuits, empowering them to thrive in an ever-evolving world. Our library is not just a space for reading; it is a hub for inspiration, discovery, and growth. We continue to expand our collection to meet the diverse needs of our students, ensuring they have the resources to succeed.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION AT OUR SCHOOL: A COMMITMENT TO HOLISTIC GROWTH At our school, we are dedicated to fostering the holistic development of every student. We believe that academic excellence should be complemented by physical well-being, which is why health and physical education play an integral role in our curriculum. Health and physical education are mandatory subjects for all students, ensuring they receive a well-rounded education that supports both mental and physical growth. In addition to theoretical lessons on health, fitness, and well-being, our students benefit from practical training in a range of physical activities, including athletics, cricket, and yoga, all within the school premises. A key aspect of our program is the inclusivity we uphold for students with visual impairments. We are particularly proud of our dedicated efforts to ensure these students have the opportunity to engage in and excel at physical education. Through adaptive methods and specialized coaching, we enable them to not only develop physical fitness but also build skills such as teamwork, discipline, and resilience. Our school is home to a specialized coach with over fifteen years of experience, who has successfully trained students with visual impairments in various sports. Under their expert guidance, our institute has earned over 200 medals in sports competitions, a testament to the exceptional talent and hard work of our students. By promoting inclusive opportunities for all, we are not just fostering physical fitness but also empowering our students to face life’s challenges with confidence, determination, and a positive attitude. We thank you for your continued support as we strive to provide a nurturing environment that champions the growth of every student. OUR GIRL STUDENTS REPRESENTING CHANDIGARH IN NATIONAL CRICKET TOURNAMENTCongratulations Chandigarh. Chandigarh Women Cricket Team Versus Telangana Match. Chandigarh Women Team won by 21 Runs. 146/5(20.0) vs Telangana Womens 125/10(19.0).Cricket team of Visually Handicapped Girls representing Chandigarh in Nationals. It constitutes 5 of our Institute’s students, 6 of our Ex-students & rest 3 are from Punjab. We wish them all the success for the matches ahead. CHAMPIONS OF INDIAN BLIND SPORTS MEET Institute for the Blind, Sector 26 Chandigarh are the Champions of Indian Blind Sports Association (IBSA) Meet organized at New Delhi from 14th to 16thDecember 2022. The Institute won 6 Gold Medals, 9 Silver Medals and 14 Bronze Medals in this Meet with overall Championship in three categories. The championship is organised by (IBSA) biennially. It offers 336 prizes to be won by 550 participants from nineteen states all over the country in different categories during three days. We have seen similar results by the students of this Institute in previous such meets. We would like to congratulate the participants, their guide-runners as well as the subordinate staff, for their achievement. Sports SPORTS ACHIEVEMENTS: Indian Blind Sports Association, New Delhi organised 21st National Athletic Championship  for the Blind from 10th to 13th December,2018 at Thyagraj Sport Complex, New Delhi. 17 Athletes of our Institute participated and brought laurels to the city beautiful as well as glory for the Institute. They  bagged 20 medals out of which Seven Gold, Five Silver and Eight are Bronze medals and also grabbed two championship trophies. This remarkable performance was widely covered by media to motivate and inspire others.  It is worthwhile to mention here that for the first time workshop known as Goal-ball was organised in Delhi in which our Athlete’s exhibited remarkable performance. 30 students participated in the 4th Punjab Half Marathon (5 km) held at Sukhna Lake on 7th October 2018. It was highly appreciated by the organisers that these visually impaired students are having the spirit of National Integration. In the 18th National Para-Athletic Championship held at Tau Devi Lal Stadium, Panchkula from 25th to 29th March, 2018, One of our bright students Miss Divya won two Gold Medals in which is a commendable achievement. No doubt others students will emulate her. SCHOOL BAND The School Band participated in the Republic Day parade on 26th January, 2019 at Parade ground, Chandigarh. They marched with martial enthusiasm and were rewarded with third position.

Academic Results   The Institute was earlier affiliated to Punjab School Education Board Mohali but since academic year 2014-15 it has been affiliated to Central Board of School Eduction (CBSE) New Delhi. The Institute has an excellent record of academic achievements. It is heartening to state that during the last two decades the Institute has shown excellent results by cent percent students getting first division. Some of the students have been placed in merit lists.

Computer Training – Computer Labs Our school is proud to offer a fully equipped computer lab designed to cater to the needs of visually impaired students, enabling them to excel in their studies and future careers. Lab 1 Lab 1 is equipped with 14 computers, two printers, and a TV screen with a magnifier, all aimed at providing an inclusive learning environment. The lab also features specialized tools such as the Read It Band and Kibo, which assist students in reading ink print. This makes it easier for visually impaired students to engage with physical materials, promoting independence and participation. All systems in Lab 1 are preloaded with screen reader software JAWS, which provides full computer accessibility. This technology ensures that visually impaired students can perform all computer operations with ease, from browsing the internet to creating and editing documents. Curriculum Students in classes 9 and 10 focus on learning HTML, while students in classes 11 and 12 advance their studies with Python programming and SQL database management, in alignment with the CBSE syllabus. This curriculum prepares our students not only to succeed academically but also equips them with essential skills for the tech-driven world. Lab 2 Lab 2 is equipped with 9 PCs, each installed with screen reader software, allowing visually impaired students to continue their learning and development in a supportive environment. Success Stories Our computer labs have contributed to the success of several students who have gone on to pursue higher education. Every year, one or two students join the BCA program to further their studies in technology. Notably, one of our alumni is currently pursuing an MCA from JNU, and another is studying BCA at Christ University, both of which are significant achievements for our school. Conclusion The integration of the latest technology in our computer labs has been instrumental in supporting the academic growth of our visually impaired students. With the help of specialized software and tools, our students are empowered to navigate their education confidently, preparing them for successful futures in technology and beyond.

Education and Admission At our institution, we are dedicated to providing quality education to visually impaired students, empowering them to excel academically and develop essential life skills. We offer a comprehensive curriculum from primary to senior secondary levels, with education up to the 12th grade. Our school is affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), ensuring that our students receive a standardized and recognized education that aligns with national academic standards. Our approach to education is designed to meet the unique learning needs of visually impaired students. We utilize a variety of specialized teaching methods, including Braille, audio books, and other tactile learning materials, to ensure that our students have equal access to educational resources. These resources are carefully selected to enhance their learning experience and support their academic development. In addition to Braille and audio books, we also use other teaching-learning materials (TLM), such as tactile diagrams and adaptive technologies, to ensure our students can fully engage with the curriculum. This inclusive approach helps students not only to grasp academic concepts but also to develop critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills, which are essential for their personal growth and future success. We warmly welcome applications for admission to our school, where each student is given the individualized attention and support they need to thrive. Our dedicated and trained staff work closely with students to create a nurturing and empowering environment, ensuring that every child receives the best education possible. Our mission is to provide visually impaired students with the tools and opportunities to succeed academically and lead fulfilling lives, making a positive impact on their future. At present , the Institute have a total of 173 students on it’s rolls. Admissions are open to both boys and girls without any discrimination of caste, creed, region, religion etc. provided the child is visually impaired and is certified by the Eye Department Govt. Hospital Sector-16, Chandigarh that the child is mentally sound and is having no communicable disease.

Staff   At present the number of teachers including vocational staff is 19. Out of them 06 members (aided staff) are covered under 95% grant-in-aid scheme and the rest of the members are paid out of the funds of the Society. As mentioned above the aided staff is getting salary as per their counter-parts in government service. The regular and confirmed staff paid by the Society is been covered under the facility the E.P.F. Scheme. Allied staff comprising 55 members includes Head of Braille Production Unit, Office Superintendent, Wardens, Computer Instructors, Teaching Faculties, Internal Auditor, Accountant,  Chartered Accountant, Dormitory Attendants, Cooks, Drivers, Electrician, Plumber, Safai Karamcharis, Ayas, Chowkidars etc.

Appeal   Institute for the Blind is though partially government aided, yet most of the expenses are met out of the donations received from generous donors. Aided staff of the Institute receives major part of their salaries from the govt. Balance of their salaries is paid by the society out of its own sources. To run the administration efficiently the Institute is required to engage additional staff which we term as the non-aided staff, which is entirely paid out of funds of the Society. Govt. Scholarships received from U.T. Chandigarh Administration @Rs. 250/- per child from Class I to V, Rs. 300/- per child from classes 6th to 8th, Rs. 500/- per child from class IX to class XII are credited to their personal Saving Bank Accounts opened by the Institute in two public sector banks. In addition any amount earned by them in the vocational training crafts is also credited to their accounts. This accumulated amount helps them in settling in life after they pass out from the Institute. All the students are provided free transport, meals, uniforms, other dresses, toiletries etc. Students are not required to spend on anything. To meet all this expenditure as also to effect improvements in the Institute an appeal is made for generous donations by the donors.   SPONSOR EDUCATION OF A STUDENT The cost of supporting one student in this Institute for one year which include all his/her expenses (Boarding/Lodging/Tuition) is Rs. 1.5 Lacs. Any Individual/Corporate who wish to financially support visually challenged student is welcome to do so. Suitable feedback would be given to them about the student’s performance etc.; being sponsored by them.