Voice of Specially Abled People (VOSAP) is a US based advocacy organization in ‘Special Consultative Status’ with United Nations ECOSOC working towards empowerment of Specially Abled People (PwDs). VOSAP has so far enabled more than 21,000+ people in 22 states and UTs of India.
On November 20, 2023 VOSAP funded 100 Samsung Smartphone and Kibo App at Pune to enable students with visual impairment. The event also witnessed inauguration of “NAB Activity Center Pune”. NAB Maharashtra identified 100+ Visually Impaired students in different districts of Pune and surrounding areas and submitted their application to VOSAP online portal.
The Event was graced by esteemed guests like Hon.OMPRAKASH KADU (BACHU BHAU) (MLA), Founder of “Prahar” Movement, Hon.Pradeep Ravat (Ex MP)associated with Apang Kalyankari Sanstha, Bharat Sanshodhan Kendra and Pune University, Shri Bhupal Patvardhan Executive Director, Bhandarkar Research Institute, Pune. Several leaders of NAB Maharashtra including President of NAB activity Center Pune Shri Kishor Desai, Secretary of NAB Activity Center Shri Sham Padekar, Shri Gopi Mayur, Hon.Gen. Secretary, NAB Maharashtra and Shri.Vinod Jajoo, Hon. Treasurer, NAB Maharashtra and members joined the call.
VOSAP Founder Pranav Desai, VOSAP Donor and Chairman of AST Enzymes Shri Vasant Rathi and VOSAP Volunteers and team members from USA and India joined the event virtually.
VOSAP Founder conveyed his appreciation for the initiative taken by Maharashtra Government and establishing a separate department, one of its kind in India for People with Disabilities (Divyangjan).He further congratulated all the students and motivated them to make correct use of devices that they have received and achieve flying colors in education. He also assured that with joint efforts of VOSAP and NAB Maharashtra we may enable more individuals with innovative assistive devices not included in ADIP in future to empower them. VOSAP has a virtual Assistive Technology Exhibition (events.voiceofsap.org) that showcases innovative assistive devices and solutions by 35+ Exhibitors.
The aim of the event was to enable and empower Visually Impaired Children by providing them with samsung smartphones and Kibo app that would help them in their education, making them self reliant for accessing education. The event also witnessed inauguration of NAB Activity Center Pune by Hon. Omprakash Kadu which would help students with Career counseling and required help for govt and private jobs, felicitate them with innovative devices, help them have easy access to audio books, syllabus and collect data, survey of VI individuals.
Voice of SAP is grateful to support of all the members of NAB Maharashtra especially Vinodji, Ratnakar ji and Sham Padekar ji, Renuka ji for their support and extends heartfelt gratitude to all the participants, volunteers, and sponsors who made this event possible and have collectively made a tangible difference in the lives of 100 students, enabling them to overcome barriers and pursue their aspirations with renewed hope and confidence.
Below is the Speech of Hon. Omprakash Kadu ji at the event:
MLA Omprakash (Bacchu Kadu) Pune event speech Translation
