Satellite Based Network for Blind People’s Association
- Paper number
IAC-07-E1.4.01
- Author
Mr. Bharat Darji, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), India
- Coauthor
Mr. Ranchhod Soni, India
- Coauthor
Mr. Jagdish Murthy, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), India
- Year
2007
- Abstract
The utilization of modern information and interaction system can play a vital role in improving the quality of rehabilitation professional and also play an important role in reaching the unreached. The pivotal role of education as an instrument of social change by altering the human perspective and transforming the traditional mindset of the society is well recognised. Taking into account the multifarious challenge in the field of education, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched EDUSAT Satellite in September 2004. EDUSAT is primarily meant for providing connectivity to schools, college and higher levels of education and also to support non-formal education including development communication. The Blind people’s Association (BPA) at Ahmedabad is a leading organisation promoting education, training, employment, community based rehabilitation and innovation for persons with disabilities. Radio programmes imparting education, entertainment and information are most attentively listened to, enjoyed and appreciated by blind listeners. The Audio medium has proved to be very successful for providing access to blind persons to the text books and the reference material. BPA had approached ISRO for providing special network to meet their requirements for blind people’s development. Considering the specific needs of the BPA, Ahmedabad an altogether different kind of network configuration was required to be delivering the live Audio and data which is read by blind person through its printed impression (Brelles). It was thus decided to set up an Audio and Data broadcast network by utilising the KU- Band western beam of EDUSAT. The network functions in two distinct but independent modes. i.e. (A) Data Broadcast mode and (B) Audio Broadcast mode. In data mode, the written instructions (mostly the word document) from the teaching end are broadcast in User Datagram Protocol (UDP) mode. This instructional data is then provided to every student in advance to a live audio lecture by taking “BRAILS” printer output. In audio broadcast mode, the live audio instructions are transmitted from teaching end to receiving class room. The teaching end of network was setup at BPA, Vastrapur, Ahmedabad. This teaching end is linked to 10 blind schools across Gujarat State using EDUSAT. A joint venture of DECU/ISRO and BPA has opened new horizons in the field of education for the blinds. BPA EDUSAT network has provided an opportunity to invite experts of academic and special subject for all over the states and has thereby made it possible to provide best content using the best method and benefiting the learners maximally. This innovative approach will provide a boost to the existing infrastructure for the physically challenged children.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-07-E1.4.01.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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