Computer training changed lives of disabled students’

NAGPUR: When computers were a relatively new concept in Nagpur during the 1990s, Pramod Bhalerao, a physically challenged professor from Government Institute of Science, was in much demand, on account of his mastery over the machine. He decided to dedicate his expertise and vast knowledge of computers for the welfare of disabled and handicapped youths from the city.
A senior life member of Computer Society of India (CSI) and Fellow of Institute of Electronics and Telecommunications Engineers (IETE), Bhalerao has trained nearly 500 disabled youths that helped them secure jobs. After being nominated as an expert member by Department of Electronics and Accreditation of Computer Courses (DOEACC), an autonomous scientific society under the Indian Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Bhalerao helped open 15 training centres in 1990s. The retired lecturer in physics spoke to TOI about his life, struggle and success. Excerpts from the interview:
Q. How did it all start?
A. Since I had a problem in one leg, I was well aware of the problems faced by those with disabilities and always wanted to do something for them. The opportunity came when computers were introduced in the city. I got a rare chance to learn computers and use my knowledge for the benefit of needy persons. I suggested opening a computer lab for the disabled students at our college. My idea was well supported by the then director and support staff. However, funds were a major crunch. At that time, I got a chance to participate in an international conference at Vancouver in Canada as a resource person, where I put forward my concept of providing computer training to the disabled. It was liked by all and I received USD 20,000 aid from the United Nations to open a computer guidance centre for the disabled.
Q. Was it difficult to convince handicapped persons?
A. After receiving the aid, I started computer communication and guidance centre at Institute of Science. It was perhaps the first such centre in the city in 1990s. Obviously, there were a lot of difficulties at the initial stage, as computers had to be kept in air-conditioned rooms. When the machines came in 1994, there was a huge rush to catch their glimpse. I still remember curious people used to ask me whether they could touch the computers. We relentlessly pursued with our objective and succeeded in attracting the handicapped. Slowly, the centre gained popularity and many students started approaching it.
Q. How many students you have trained so far?
A. Roughly 480 until my retirement. They comprise physically challenged, visually impaired and hearing-impaired. The technical training they got proved to be a boon for them that changed their lives and the outlook of society towards them. A few years after the training lab opened, about 60 of our students were placed in government and private sectors. Other students established their own desktop publishing and computer typing agencies in the city.
Q. You also spoke about training a blind student.
A. One visually challenged student was trained in draft preparation with the help of a speech synthesizer wherein the computer used to speak out the sentences she typed, enabling her to make corrections. She is now practicing at Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court. A speech dialogue was demonstrated between a hearing-impaired and a normal person with help of speech synthesizer which received a good response from blind students. Visibility testing workshops were also conducted from time to time in which impaired students participated and their vision was tested with the help of software. Students with 10%-20% of visibility could see the images on screen and were thrilled by the experience. Subsequently, that software was recommended to the blind schools.
Q. But why were only handicaps trained?
A. We granted them opportunity, as they're heavily dependent on others' help. But I also conducted training programmes for high court judges of Nagpur bench at Judicial Officers Training Academy (JOTI) in Civil Lines. Moreover, training was imparted to staff deputed by Mantralaya from Mumbai. I also conducted training session for various bank staffers. As an expert DOEACC member, I encouraged opening of more computer training centres in the city.
Q. What are your other activities now?
A. I have retired and can't walk without somebody's help. Even my age is fast catching up. But I still give guidance to youngsters who come to me with difficulties. I am fond of reading and impart knowledge to youths. When my old students like those from the Asudani family come to me, it makes me happy.
Stay updated on the go with Times of India News App. Click here to download it for your device.