Extending Knowledge to Visually Impaired Individuals Project

           The number of visually impaired individuals worldwide is projected to increase to 115 million by the year 2050. People with visual impairments or blindness have more limited access to information and learning compared to those with other disabilities. Therefore, visually impaired individuals face significant barriers in utilizing books or various informational media. Tools such as audio books and Braille books are essential to help visually impaired individuals access information. Given this situation, the Burapha University Library recognizes the importance of promoting knowledge to the visually impaired. The library organized activities to enhance learning opportunities for visually impaired individuals by creating audio books and Braille books to be donated to the Pattaya Mahatai School for the Blind. This initiative aims to support visually impaired individuals in accessing knowledge and information comprehensively. Additionally, recreational activities were organized for students to gain knowledge, enjoyment, and inspiration from self-learning through various informational media.
          The objectives of the project were as follows:
1. To provide visually impaired individuals with more opportunities to access valuable and meaningful information that contributes to their mental well-being 

and happiness in life.
2. To encourage visually impaired individuals in Chonburi Province to recognize the importance of self-learning.
3. To foster a positive attitude and inspire visually impaired individuals in Chonburi Province, helping them gain knowledge and realize their own value.
4. To cultivate a continuous love for self-learning throughout life among visually impaired individuals and to ignite their creativity for the benefit of society.
5. To promote the volunteer spirit among students and staff of Burapha University by involving them in reading audio books for the visually impaired.

           The results of the activities revealed that the library prepared 20 titles of audio books and 30 titles of Braille books, which were delivered and the activities were conducted on August 23, 2024. Evaluation results showed that both librarians and library staff expressed the highest level of satisfaction (5.0) with the audio books and Braille books, and students participating in the activities also rated their satisfaction at the highest level (5.0).
The outcome of this project enabled visually impaired individuals to access useful books that aid in their daily lives, recognize the importance of reading, and engage in lifelong self-learning. 

           The project also provided them with meaningful use of their leisure time and inspiration. Recommendations include:
1. Organizing these activities more frequently than once a year.
2. Providing new novels and incorporating BL (Boys’ Love) novels.
3. Increasing the number of prize-winning games

 

Project Leader: Miss Nisachon Kanjanapichit, BUU Library