Regional Digital Accessibility Training For Visually Challenged Court Staff Conducted At Tamil Nadu State Judicial Academy

The e-Committee, Supreme Court of India, took a stride towards enhancing accessibility in the Indian judicial system by organizing the Regional Digital Accessibility Training for Visually Challenged Court Staff at the Tamil Nadu State Judicial Academy.

The training, conducted in two batches from 19th to 22nd December 2023, focused on empowering visually challenged court staff from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Orissa.

Mr. C. Sanjai Baba, Director of the Tamil Nadu State Judicial Academy, extended a warm welcome to the participants, shedding light on the e-Committee's digital accessibility initiatives. Ms. R. Arulmozhiselvi, Member (Human Resources), eCommittee, Supreme Court of India, elucidated the scope and objectives of the digital accessibility training. Dr. R. Sathya, Additional Director of the Tamil Nadu State Judicial Academy, extended the Vote of Thanks.

The two-day hands-on training encompassed various assistive technologies, including accessible reading of court documents using screen readers and instant reading devices, accessible documentation and note-making in a digital work environment, techniques and tools for scanning and creating digital accessible formats, judgment searching with screen readers, smartphone-based assistive technologies, keyboard and input orientation in regional languages, and the application of artificial intelligence tools and techniques for the visually impaired. The program was made possible through the proactive guidance of the Board of Governors of the Tamil Nadu State Judicial Academy.

The Reg (IT) Madras High Court, Mr. Ganapathyswamy, and his technical teams played a crucial role in ensuring the availability of all assistive hardware for the training. Ms. R. Arulmozhiselvi coordinated the program with resource persons from NIEPVD, Regional Centre, Chennai - Mr. G. M. Sridhar and Ms. A. Anushiya, both Computer Faculty.

In addition to the comprehensive training, the program featured special speakers who addressed the participants on the topic "Empowering through Technology – Reflections."

The speakers included Mr. Balanagendran, Assistant Director, News Services Division, Akashvani; Mr. R. Mohamed Nasurallah, Advocate, Madras High Court; Ms. Pragya Deora, Assistant Director, News Services Division, Akashvani; and Dr. N. Visakamurthy, ILS, the first visually challenged AOR Supreme Court of India. All special speakers, being 100% visually challenged themselves, shared their motivational journeys, encouraging the court staff in attendance.

This impactful program aimed at fostering inclusivity and accessibility within the judicial system would not have been successful without the collaborative efforts and dedication of all involved parties.

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