THE BLIND IN ARMENIA GET A CHANCE TO “SEE” BOOKS DUE TO COMPUTER PROGRAM

YEREVAN, MARCH 5. ARMINFO. A computer center has opened at the Society
of the Blind in Armenia created with support of a charitable union
“Apaven.” Armenian Parliamentary Speaker Artur Baghdasaryan attended
the opening ceremony.

Thirty-nine people received education at the center, one of the author-
developers of the computer program for the blind “Arev,” Director of
Yerevan Scientific and Research Institution of Mathematical Sciences,
Academician Arman Kuchukyan informs journalists. The program allows
the blind to study the alphabet on the keyboard independently, to read
Armenians books and other printed materials and to use Internet
through sounds. The program also allows calculations and use of the
help service of the computer. The program “Arev” costs some $800.

Speaking at the ceremony, Artur Baghdasaryan promised assistance to
the blind as regards employment, increase in wages and allowances. He
said that in 2006 a republican educational center for the blind would
open in Yerevan. He promised assistance to 20 blind students of
Yerevan State University in purchase of personal computers. The
speaker advised the members of the union to apply to the court
demanding return of the building in Isahakayan Street 18. It should be
noted that the Municipality sold the territory in 2002. The speaker
assured those present that this territory was sold illegally and there
were all the chances to win the case.