Ganderbal, 27 August 2026: Voluntary Medicare Society (VMS), Srinagar, under the #SeeAMillion Initiative, with the support of EnAble India and in collaboration with the Chief Education Officer, Ganderbal, organized a one-day workshop on “Orientation to Careers for Persons with Vision Impairment” at Government Boys Higher Secondary School (BHSS), Ganderbal.
The workshop was attended by 45 persons with vision impairment from across Ganderbal district, along with their parents and special educators. The programme aimed to create awareness among students with vision impairment about educational opportunities, career pathways, skill development, employment opportunities, digital tools and technologies, and available support services.
The programme brought together students, educators, officials and representatives of VMS to encourage young persons with vision impairment to explore diverse career opportunities and develop greater confidence in pursuing their educational and professional aspirations.
The workshop commenced with registration, followed by a welcome and overview of the programme by Mr. Ashaq A. Lone, Project Coordinator, VMS. In her opening remarks, Mr. Nazir Ahmad Lone, DNO IE, Ganderbal, emphasized the importance of equal educational opportunities, career guidance and appropriate support for students with special abilities.
The technical sessions covered a range of important themes. Iqrah Wali, Trainer, VMS, delivered a session on career opportunities in the Education, Health and Commerce sectors, helping participants understand potential career pathways and the skills required to pursue them.
A dedicated session on digital accessibility and computer applications was conducted by Mubashir Bashir, Trainer, VMS. Participants were introduced to useful applications and accessible digital tools, including Hamari Wani, Bookshare, Spelling Tool and Blimey, highlighting how technology can support learning, communication, digital literacy and independent participation.
The programme also included a Goal Setting session led by Ashaq A. Lone, where participants were encouraged to identify their aspirations, set realistic and measurable goals, and develop an action-oriented approach towards achieving them.
This was followed by a session on the IT and Media sector, conducted by Mubashir Bashir, which familiarized participants with emerging opportunities in technology and media and the importance of developing relevant digital and employability skills.
An interactive feedback session was conducted by Iqrah Wali, providing participants an opportunity to share their experiences, learning and expectations from the programme.
The Vice Principal of HSS Ganderbal, Zahoor Ahmad , also addressed the gathering and appreciated the initiative aimed at supporting students with vision impairment in making informed decisions about their future education and careers.
The programme further witnessed addresses by Muzaffar Ahmad, Tehsil Social Welfare Officer on behalf of DSWO, Ganderbal, and Gh. Rasool Lone, Principal GHSS Khalmulla on behalf of Chief Education Officer (CEO), Ganderbal. The dignitaries appreciated the efforts of VMS towards promoting inclusion, accessibility, digital empowerment and career awareness among persons with vision impairment.
In her closing remarks, Prof. Masooda Yaseen, Vice-President, VMS, highlighted the importance of collective efforts by educational institutions, government departments, civil society organizations and families in creating an enabling environment where persons with vision impairment can pursue their aspirations with dignity and independence.
As part of the programme, Smart Canes were distributed to beneficiaries, supporting safer and more independent mobility for persons with vision impairment.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms.Shaista, Incharge OT, VMS, who expressed gratitude to the education authorities, school administration, officials, participants and all those who contributed to the successful organization of the workshop.
The initiative forms part of VMS’s continuing efforts to promote digital empowerment, career awareness, accessibility, independence and equal opportunities for persons with vision impairment, enabling them to become active participants in education, employment and nation-building.
