Two-Days Training on Accessible Apps for Document Reading for Women with Disabilities

May 5-6, 2025

Access Planet Organization, with the generous support of the Numun Fund, successfully conducted a two-day training titled “Accessible Apps for Document Reading for Visually Impaired Young Women” in Kathmandu Valley. The training was specifically designed for 20 visually impaired young women currently living and studying in various colleges within Kathmandu Valley, though originally from different parts of Nepal. Many participants are preparing for competitive exams such as the Teacher Service Commission. The two-day training was facilitated by Mr. Sanjaya Aryal, a recognized expert in accessibility and assistive technology.

Objectives 

• To enhance digital literacy among visually impaired young women.
• To introduce accessible digital and printed reading applications and promote their practical use.
• To support the academic and daily reading needs of visually impaired women.
• To foster independence and encourage a reading culture.

  On Day 1, participants were introduced to Insta Reader and Seeing AI, where they learned to scan and read printed/digital documents, adjust voice settings, navigate files, and read everyday printed texts like hotel menus and signs. Many participants experienced these tools for the first time and were excited by their potential to support independent living.

  On Day 2, the focus shifted to Tech Freedom, where participants explored features like digital book access, bookmarking, and note-taking. They were also introduced to TFAI (Take Freedom AI) for identifying people and objects and Google Gemini, which offered document summarization, question answering, and bilingual reading capabilities in Nepali and English. The sessions were interactive and empowering, leaving participants inspired to integrate these tools into their academic and personal lives.

  Outcomes 

• Participants learned proper methods for using each app efficiently.
•  They were able to read documents in Nepali in addition to English.
• Participants could now read hotel menus and similar real-life content novels, outsource books, etc.
• Encouragement  of the reading culture