KATHMANDU, April 25: Chain for Change along with St. Xavier's College, Maitighar, Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain, and Expedición Solidaria organized a two-day orientation event ‘Project Wings to Dreams’, an innovative initiative aimed at overcoming barriers for individuals with visual disabilities, at St Xavier's College.

The orientation event offered new students a comprehensive overview of Project Wings to Dreams, its objectives, activities, and the importance of their participation in making education more accessible and inclusive for students with disabilities.

Highlights included an insightful discussion led by Sanjiya Shrestha, co-founder of Chain for Change, on disability awareness, covering various disabilities, influencing factors, and respectful language when addressing individuals with disabilities.

Abhishek Shahi, founder and president of Chain for Change, provided insights into the organization's history and mission, stressing the significance of collaborative efforts in driving positive change.

A groundbreaking aspect was the introduction of 3D models and tactile technology in Nepalese educational institutions. The inaugural group of students involved in the project showcased accessible tactile 3D models they had created and shared their experiences conducting workshops for students with visual impairments at Laboratory School.

Challenges highlighted during the orientation included complexity in information representation, scale and size limitations, resource constraints, lack of specialized software, curriculum integration, user testing, and material sourcing.

On the second day, the new students were briefed on the action plan for the upcoming tenure, including installing accessible signboards, researching academic books to create accessible 3D content, conducting braille writing workshops, and more.

The orientation concluded with a session on mental well-being, featuring singing bowl therapy, underscoring the importance of holistic support for all involved in the project.

Project Wings to Dreams is leading a transformative approach to accessibility in education, setting a precedent for inclusive practices in Nepal.

 
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