Public Library receives equipment to cater for visually impaired persons

New equipment at the National Public Library will allow persons who are visually impaired to use the computer.{{more}}

This week, through the collaboration of the Czech Republic Development Corporation and the Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines, the library received eight computers and other equipment for their multimedia room.

At the handing over ceremony on Tuesday, the director of the National Public Library, Archives and Documentation Services Michelle King-Campbell explained that the project was conceptualized in an effort to bridge the widening technological gap.

“This project’s primary aim is to acquire equipment and materials to furnish a multimedia room. This will allow our clients to access information in a variety of formats through the use of other media, as printed material is being superceded by digital and new media sources,” she said.

“Equipment procured will be used to improve and expand library services that we offer. Visually impaired persons will now have free access to electronic information services for their recreational and educational needs.”

In addition, King-Campbell added that the technology will allow for important documents to be digitized and stored safely.

The director also took the opportunity to thank the Czech Republic for its generous donation.

In brief remarks, Cheryl Adams, a teacher at the School for Children with Special Needs in Georgetown expressed how happy she was to know that the equipment catered for persons who were visually impaired.

Adams, who is blind, stated that she knows the equipment will be put to good use.

“The JAWS software is a screen reader programme and persons who are visually impaired, once they come to the library will be able to receive training and use the computer, just as what we call the so-called normal people,” the teacher said, explaining piece of the equipment that is available in the multimedia room.

“I am encouraging every visually impaired person out there to come and make use of the equipment and software,” Adams said.

Moulton Mayers, honorary consul for the Czech Republic, is positive that this gesture will strengthen the relationship between St Vincent and the Grenadines and the Czech Republic.

“The Czech Republic Development Corporation has been working assiduously for more than 40 years on projects that will help in the development of countries in many parts of the world,” he said.

It is Mayers’ hope that the equipment will benefit persons doing research in many and varied subjects and disciplines.

“The visually impaired are also catered to as the computers are programmed so that they can use Braille to access information,” the honorary consul pointed out.