"Our objective is to give free computer training to the visually impaired of all ages and all socioeconomic classes, without discrimination. We believe that computer education changes a visually challenged person’s quality of life,” noted advertising professional Sam Balsara in an email to Parsiana about Madison World’s newly set up CSR (corporate social responsibility) arm Madison Resource Foundation. "Most public sector organizations have a special scheme to employ such visually impaired people… By becoming computer literate a person can access the net which is like opening a window to the world which was earlier shut,” he stated. Tanya Computer Center (TCC) started by his visually impaired daughter Tanya Balsara (pictured) in 2006 has been "adopted” by the Foundation.
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In addition to making the handicapped computer-savvy through a screen reading software called Jaws, tactile books and notes in Braille, large print or audio, depending on individual needs, TCC "focuses on developing the student’s overall personality.” This is achieved "through English speaking and personality development classes, playing sport like cricket, having outings and picnics, all of which help the visually impaired develop their personality and confidence,” noted Sam. So far, TCC has trained 250 students of all ages and most of them have got jobs.
With the help of the Foundation, TCC hopes to expand to other parts of Bombay and start more centres, noted Sam. "A scheme has been drawn up where the entire project will be financed by us, as long as we can get a committed socially inclined person who is willing to dedicate his/her time to the cause,” he explained. The future centers "would be fully equipped with furniture and fittings, computers, software and entirely financed by the Foundation in terms of both capital cost and revenue expenses including salaries,” noted the press release.
"I am delighted that Tanya took the initiative…and has dedicated her life to the cause. She is totally committed and it is a delight for me to see so many of her students gainfully employed and moving about cheerfully and with confidence,” noted the proud father.
The announcement regarding TCC being the first beneficiary of the Foundation was made at the Centre’s 12th convocation ceremony on August 5. Guest of honor at the ceremony was Marathoner and quadruple amputee Shalini Saraswathi. As Tanya noted on the occasion, "Remember, the visually impaired may not have sight, but they don’t lack vision.”