SPECIAL READING ROOM FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE OPENED IN ARMENIA

ArmInfo
2008-10-08 13:36:00

ArmInfo. VivaCell-MTS’ provided AMD 1.102 million to the National
Library of Armenia for establishing a special reading room, the first
of its kind in Armenia, to allow blind and visually impaired to access
library resources.

Services provided at this special disabled-friendly reading room can
benefit over 5000 blind and visually impaired people all over Armenia;
special software and computers installed in the Library have ability
to recognize characters and convert text into speech thus giving
opportunity to benefit from advanced technology. For the realization of
the project, as a socially-responsible company, VivaCell-MTS provided
AMD 1.102 million, thanks to which special software was created as
well as computers and necessary accessory, were procured.

It is hard to imagine that nowadays in Armenia the blind cannot use
all the opportunities of computer to communicate with others, type,
even draw, write or download music and read, which is available for
people with low or no vision in other countries. There are a lot
of libraries across Armenia but the books specially designed for
the blind and visually impaired are old and outdated, while their
modern analogues are on hand abroad. And to enable the library to
cater to the blind and sight-impaired also, VivaCell-MTS supported
in adaptation of "Arev" software to their needs (created by Yerevan
Scientific Research Institute of Mathematical Machines). A person is
typing (first, the blinds will be trained to the typing skills) or
scanning the ready text and the computer technology converts almost
all typewritten or typeset material into easily-understood speech.

"Reading and interacting with the outside world are the two major
wishes of the blind. We hope that from now on they can have a real
no-barrier reading experience in this special reading room," said the
General Manager of VivaCell-MTS Ralph Yirikian. ‘It is vital that
the society understands the importance of accessibility of reading
for the blind people. They – our compatriots, should be given equal
access to books for recreation and study.

We are delighted to have supported with the creation of such a
well-equipped reading room in Armenia thanks to which the blind and
visually-impaired people will feel themselves closer to the society
and enjoy the pleasure in reading".

Now when "Arev" software is developed and the special-reading room is
set up, special well-thought-out training program will be organized
for the blind and visually-impaired people for them to learn how
to use computer, scanner and printer and how to surf internet and
communicate via e-mail in order to make them more independent in the
quest for information.

VivaCell – MTS (K-Telecom CJSC) is the leading Armenian mobile
operator, providing a wide range of Voice and Data services. Since
its launch on 1st July 2005, in a short period of time VivaCell –
MTS has managed to build a nationwide network and a considerable
customer base. VivaCell – MTS drives the development and offering of
innovative mobile communications products, services and features in
the Armenian mobile communications market.

Mobile TeleSystems OJSC ("MTS") is the largest mobile phone operator
in Russia and the CIS. Together with its subsidiaries, the Company
services over 91 million subscribers. The regions of Russia, as well
as Armenia, Belarus, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan, in which
MTS and its associates and subsidiaries are licensed to provide GSM
services, have a total population of more than 230 million. Since
June 2000, MTS’ Level 3 ADRs have been listed on the New York Stock
Exchange (ticker symbol MBT).

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress