Srinagar: Voluntary Medicare Society (VMS), under its flagship #SeeAMillion Campaign, in collaboration with EnAble India, successfully organised a “Reading Without Seeing” Workshop on 11th February 2026 at the VMS Auditorium. The workshop was a pioneering initiative aimed at promoting educational accessibility, digital inclusion, and independent learning among individuals with visual impairments and low vision across Jammu & Kashmir.
The workshop was attended by 45 participants, including 25 persons with low vision and 5 persons with visual impairments, from different parts of Jammu & Kashmir. The programme was designed to familiarise participants with alternative reading and learning methods, assistive technologies, and digital tools that enable access to education and information without reliance on sight. Participants received practical exposure to assistive devices, Braille literacy, Android and computer-based applications, EnAble India platforms, and other relevant online resources supporting learning, communication, and employability for persons with visual impairments.
The event commenced with an introductory address by Mr. Ashaq Ahmad Lone, Project Coordinator, VMS, who warmly welcomed the participants and their parents. He provided an overview of Voluntary Medicare Society (VMS) and EnAble India, and clearly outlined the objectives and expected outcomes of the workshop.
The technical sessions were conducted by the VMS team, beginning with a detailed session on assistive devices. Ms. Rifat Yasmeen and Mr. Mohammad Haneef demonstrated various assistive devices and explained their practical applications in education, professional environments, and day-to-day life. Participants were encouraged to interact with the devices to gain hands-on experience, enhancing their understanding and confidence in using assistive technology.
Subsequently, Ms. Rifat Yasmeen delivered an engaging session on Braille literacy and Android-based accessible applications, highlighting how smartphones and screen-reader–enabled apps can significantly enhance independence, communication, and learning for persons with visual impairments. This was followed by a session on computer applications and an introduction to EnAble India platforms, during which participants were informed about accessible digital tools, training opportunities, and employment-related support systems offered through EnAble India.
An interactive question-and-answer session, along with general queries and feedback collection, was facilitated by Mr. Ashaq Ahmad Lone, allowing participants to clarify doubts, share personal experiences, and provide valuable feedback on the workshop.
The workshop was further enriched by the presence of Prof. (Dr.) Mir Mohammad Maqbool, President and Founder, VMS, who addressed the participants and emphasised the critical role of modern technology and formal education in empowering persons with visual impairments. He encouraged participants to actively adopt assistive technologies and wished them success in their academic, professional, and personal journeys.
The programme concluded with closing remarks and key takeaways shared by Dr. Bashir Ahmad Lone, who reiterated VMS’s strong commitment to inclusive education, accessible technology, and equitable opportunities for persons with visual impairments. He reaffirmed that VMS will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that no individual is left behind in their pursuit of knowledge, dignity, and empowerment.
A vote of thanks was presented by Mr. Mohammad Ayoub, expressing heartfelt gratitude to all participants, parents present during the programme, the VMS team, EnAble India, and the volunteers. Special appreciation was extended to Ms. Rifat Yasmeen, who proactively contacted more than 800 candidates over the past month to mobilise participation and ensure the success of the workshop.
