Shiv
2014-10-15 14:34:32 UTC
Source:
http://m.timesofindia.com/home/specials/assembly-elections-2014/maharashtra-
news/EVMs-with-embossed-Braille-script-in-Thane/articleshow/44819630.cms
EVMs with embossed Braille script in Thane
Oct 15, 2014, 05.35AM IST TNN[ Manoj Badgeri ]
MUMBAI: All the new EVMs in Thane will this time have information embossed
on them in Braille, making the process easier for the visually impaired
voters. Activists have welcomed the move but asked for audio assistance as
well.
"All the EVMs used in Thane district for this election have the information
embossed on them. This is for the first time we are using them," said
Madhavi Sardeshmukh, deputy collector of Thane.
The new EVMs from Electronics Corporation of India Ltd serve dual purpose,
catering to the general public as well as those with visual impairment.
These machines have numbers 1-15 on the ballot unit embossed in Braille.
When a visually challenged voter arrived, he would be given information on
the numbers and the corresponding names against them on an EVM after which
s/he could proceed to cast his vote, explained an official. In places where
the number of candidates is more than 15, officials will put stickers after
masking the existing embossed numbers. Visually impaired voters and their
escorts will be told about the change.
The earlier units used stickers in Braille and were prone to damage. But
voters said they could benefit if audio assistance was given. "The process
could be much faster and easier had they been provide with audio assistance.
A headphone could be given to them for privacy," said Mahesh Dodke, office
bearer of an association for the visually challenged.
Regards,
Shiv
http://m.timesofindia.com/home/specials/assembly-elections-2014/maharashtra-
news/EVMs-with-embossed-Braille-script-in-Thane/articleshow/44819630.cms
EVMs with embossed Braille script in Thane
Oct 15, 2014, 05.35AM IST TNN[ Manoj Badgeri ]
MUMBAI: All the new EVMs in Thane will this time have information embossed
on them in Braille, making the process easier for the visually impaired
voters. Activists have welcomed the move but asked for audio assistance as
well.
"All the EVMs used in Thane district for this election have the information
embossed on them. This is for the first time we are using them," said
Madhavi Sardeshmukh, deputy collector of Thane.
The new EVMs from Electronics Corporation of India Ltd serve dual purpose,
catering to the general public as well as those with visual impairment.
These machines have numbers 1-15 on the ballot unit embossed in Braille.
When a visually challenged voter arrived, he would be given information on
the numbers and the corresponding names against them on an EVM after which
s/he could proceed to cast his vote, explained an official. In places where
the number of candidates is more than 15, officials will put stickers after
masking the existing embossed numbers. Visually impaired voters and their
escorts will be told about the change.
The earlier units used stickers in Braille and were prone to damage. But
voters said they could benefit if audio assistance was given. "The process
could be much faster and easier had they been provide with audio assistance.
A headphone could be given to them for privacy," said Mahesh Dodke, office
bearer of an association for the visually challenged.
Regards,
Shiv