Heritage body plans to make monuments disabled-friendly

“Currently,some sites like Sanchi and Sarnath Museum have Braille signages. We are now planning to take the initiative forward to other prominent sites across the country. The idea is to make the monuments and museums disabled-friendly and to open them up to as many people as possible,” BRR Mani,Joint Director General-ASI,told Newsline. “We are in talks with the Institute and have sought their expertise on developing the various Braille devices and signages that will help the visually impaired experience the heritage of our country.”

Officials said the pilot will begin with monuments and museums in the Capital and will be extended to other circles later. Following a meeting of Director General (ASI) Gautam Sengupta with NIVH officials last week,details of the project are now being drawn up.

The institute has been asked to suggest a comprehensive plan to design and develop the system. “The project will be implemented in a phased manner. Braille signages with extensive information on the monuments and cultural notice-boards will be developed and tactile pathways made at the monuments,” said Mani added. “Funds should not be a problem as we have been looking forward to introduce the system. Even the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has shown keen interest in funding the project.”

The NIVH undertakes research and developmental activities to ensure the emergence of disability-inclusive policies,programmes and practices. It has contributed to a number of useful tools and technologies for equal participation by the visually impaired. The institute is also one of the largest producers and distributors of Braille literature and devices in the country.