Srinagar: Voluntary Medicare Society (VMS) inaugurated a three-day Training of Trainers (ToT) on Digital Literacy, Awareness, and STEM for Special Educators of the J&K Education Department at the VMS Auditorium, Bemina, Srinagar. The program is designed to strengthen the capacity of educators to support students with vision impairment through inclusive education, assistive technology, and STEM learning opportunities.
Dr. Suhail Maqbool extended a warm welcome to the dignitaries and guests with a banquet. The training program features renowned experts including Ms. Indu Nair and Ms. Shanthala Somayaji from Vividha Trust, and Mr. Adil from Enable India as the main resource persons.
The inaugural session was graced by eminent personalities including Mr. Vinod from CRC Srinagar, Prof. Masooda Yaseen (Vice President, VMS), Dr. Bashir Ahmad Lone (Director, VMS), and Dr. Mohammad Ayoub (Administrator, VMS). Around 23 special educators from across Kashmir are participating in this specialized program.
The training covers a wide range of critical areas, including:
• Understanding vision impairment and its impact on learning.
• Inclusive education strategies and curriculum adaptations.
• Orientation, mobility, and disability-specific skills.
• Digital literacy tools for both blind and low-vision students.
• STEM education approaches tailored for visually impaired learners.
• Use of assistive technologies such as screen readers, magnifiers, and Braille devices.
• Resource mapping with platforms like Bookshare, EnAble Academy, and Blimey.
Speaking on the occasion, VMS representatives emphasized that the initiative is aimed at enhancing awareness, building teaching capacity, and promoting effective inclusion of visually impaired learners in mainstream education. The training also highlights the importance of collaboration among educators, parents, and support organizations to ensure better accessibility and improved learning outcomes.
The three-day program will include interactive workshops, case studies, demonstrations, and group discussions to equip participants with practical strategies they can implement in classrooms.
Through this initiative, VMS continues its commitment to advancing inclusive education and empowering persons with disabilities across Jammu & Kashmir.
