VOSAP enablement event in Delhi. / VOSAP

Voice of Specially-Abled People distributed AI-based smart glasses to over 300 visually-challenged students from Delhi. In the first ever enablement event in Delhi, VOSAP aimed to empower persons with disabilities, where technology met awareness in a way that directly benefited 300 blind individuals.

Smarton, AI enabled smart glasses, will help the blind students of schools and universities to be more independent and open doors to education, employment, and social participation that were previously out of reach. VOSAP’s efforts are paving the way for a future where people with visual impairment have the tools and support they need to thrive. This is a big win for digital accessibility and inclusivity!

Distributing AI-based devices to students is a groundbreaking step in enhancing their independence and quality of life. These glasses empower students to navigate the world with much more autonomy as they provide features such as navigation, text reading, and object/face recognition. The ability to recognize faces or read or summarize or even find specific content in the text with the power of AI, instantly would make a huge difference in both their educational experiences and their daily lives. With such devices, visually impaired individuals can interact with their environment in ways that were once unimaginable.

While the focus of the event was on AI-based smart glasses, VOSAP showcased a range of assistive devices like wheelchair, Blind Chess Board, EVO devices, and many others highlighting the breadth of innovation available for people with disabilities (PwDs) and emphasizing that accessibility and inclusivity is not limited to just one type of technology. Each device serves a unique purpose, from improving mobility and communication to enhancing daily living. VOSAP is creating a toolkit that opens up a world of possibilities for independence, education, work, and more.

A sixth-grade visually-impaired student recited a poem using his new AI Smart glasses which was a beautiful and symbolic moment for VOSAP as it not only showcased the talent SAPs hold, but also the power of empowerment.  

The media coverage and TV interviews from prominent outlets like NDTV, ANI, DoorDarshan (DD News) and India Today has helped spread the message of empowerment and digital accessibility. VOSAP’s initiatives will reach a broader audience, inspiring more people to support the cause and get involved in creating change. It will also help bring awareness to the innovative solutions and technologies making a difference in the lives of visually-impaired individuals. With the presence of CSR leaders from prominent organizations like Apollo CSR, APML Foundation, the event served as a platform for collaboration and discussion about the importance of social responsibility.

In his speech, Pranav Desai, founder of VOSAP, highlighted the potential of individuals with disabilities to contribute significantly to the nation’s growth.  it also aims to change the societal narrative surrounding disabilities, promoting a future where technology, policy changes, and collaborative efforts ensure that individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities to succeed and contribute meaningfully to society. 

Desai’s message also focused on the role of technology, particularly AI-driven innovations like the Smatron glasses, in empowering individuals with disabilities. By incorporating advanced tools he demonstrated how technology can break down barriers, enhance independence, and improve overall quality of life for those facing physical challenges.

Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary of the DEPwD, MSJE, GOI, speech was a critical reminder of the importance of inclusion in education and the role of technology in levelling the playing field for blind students. PM Daksha portal, which lists job opportunities for people with disabilities, is a key resource that could bridge the gap between education and employment, making the transition smoother and more inclusive. He highlighted ongoing educational projects with tech giants like Amazon, Google, and OpenAI, showing immense potential for collaboration between the disability sector and major technology players. 

Surendra Nath Tripathi, Director General at IIPA, appreciated the efforts of Pranav Desai for the transformative work being done to make the lives of persons with disabilities more accessible, inclusive, and fulfilling. He encouraged students, beneficiaries to do well with AI enabled tools that can guide them, answer many questions and provide equal opportunity with knowledge acquisition.

Suket Amin, Sunbots founder’s detailed portraits of the Smarton Glasses was one of the highlights of the event as he showed a live demo of the product to the media and attendees present at the event. He emphasized how the glasses will transform the lives of visually-impaired students through the innovation and thoughtfulness behind this technology. 

We are grateful to Saksham Trust for their untiring efforts to bring together the beneficiary communities. Also, special thanks to National Association for the Blind (NAB) Delhi, GDI Hub, and Young Indians for their support. 

The event was truly inspiring! The convergence of visually-impaired students, NGOs, Innovators, CSR leaders from Apollo, APML, Media representatives and Government of India officers is such a powerful reminder of how collaboration can make a real difference. The heartful interactions and the uplifting speeches filled everyone with so much energy and hope, as these initiatives don’t just introduce solutions—they ignite a shared vision for a future where inclusion is the norm. VOSAP founder, Pranav Desai, interacted with the beneficiaries, which provided invaluable insights and strengthened the bond between the organization and the community it serves.

It’s amazing to see how the collective efforts are driving real change, and the unwavering spirit of those involved is something to celebrate. Moments like this are pivotal in pushing for greater progress and impact.

With this event, we are a notch closer in creating a world that values and prioritizes accessibility. It’s about breaking down barriers and empowering people to reach their full potential, regardless of any physical challenges they might face. The momentum is building, and as we continue pushing forward, it will only lead to greater opportunities for everyone. Let’s keep advocating for harnessing ABILITY for economic benefits for ALL — each step we take brings us closer to that reality.

We are steadily moving closer to realizing the vision of  Vision 2047—a Viksit Bharat where the disability sector would contribute US$ 1 trillion to the Indian economy by 2047 and people from all walks of life, including those with disabilities, have the opportunity to thrive and contribute to the nation’s growth.