Dear Friend,

Since 2006, Tech Mahindra Foundation has been relentlessly working with diverse groups to cater to the needs of the visually impaired students through ARISE+ and SMART+ programs as part of our disability intervention. On the occasion of International Day of Education (24 January 2020), we are delighted to share that we have taken another step to promote inclusive education and effective rehabilitation through assistive technology feeding into our larger vision of alternative thinking.

The Foundation in association with Thinkerbell Labs has installed Annie – World’s First Braille Literacy Device which has already benefited 50+ students at ARISE+ schools across three locations: Delhi, Nagpur and Chandigarh. Annie is a revolutionary solution to the traditional teaching methods of Braille and the lack of special educators. Moreover, the replication of Annie Smart Classes in inclusive schools and institutions is a futuristic approach towards enhancing employability skills which will open better employment opportunities. It is a digital device that helps the visually impaired learn to read, write, and type in Braille, on their own through interactive audio-guided content.

In 2020, we hope to expand the footprint of Annie Smart Class to all our ARISE+ projects where we are working with visually impaired to fulfill the aspirations of millions of parents who send their children with disabilities to inclusive government schools to become self-reliant.

Warm regards,
Tech Mahindra Foundation