HSNC University Organises ‘Antar-Chakshu’ Workshop To Sensitise Staff, Build Empathy And Awareness On Visual Impairment

Hyderabad (Sind) National Collegiate (HSNC) University, Mumbai, through its Board of Innovation, Incubation, Linkages and Placements (IILP), organised a powerful sensitisation workshop titled “Antar-Chakshu” (the eye within or inner-vision), designed to help participants understand the lived experiences of persons with visual impairment. The interactive session, held on 11th March 2026, brought together teaching and non-teaching staff members for a deeply engaging and reflective learning experience aimed at strengthening awareness around accessibility and inclusion on campus.

Visit saltysenoritaaz.com for more information.

Speaking about the initiative, Vice Chancellor Col. Dr. Hemlata K. Bagla said, “For Universities, inclusion is closely linked to how systems function, from academic delivery to administrative services. Workshops like ‘Antar-Chakshu’ help staff recognise how small adjustments in communication, guidance and service processes can significantly improve accessibility for persons with visual impairment.” She appreciated the commendable job of the team.

Dr. Rajendra Shinde, Director, Board of Innovation, Incubation, Linkages and Placements (IILP) noted, “The strength of this workshop lies in its experiential format. Rather than simply discussing accessibility, participants experienced situations that visually impaired individuals navigate every day. Such practical engagement makes the learning far more meaningful and encourages staff to think differently about accessibility and support systems on campus.” 

Accessibility advocate Disha Kapadia leads a guided activity demonstrating sensory perception and orientation techniques for visually impaired individuals.

The workshop was facilitated by Mr. Ketan Kothari, Managing Consultant (Programmes) at the Xavier’s Resource Centre for the Visually Challenged (XRCVC), along with accessibility advocate Ms. Disha Kapadia and their expert team. Drawing on their extensive experience in disability inclusion and accessibility training, the facilitators designed a series of immersive activities that allowed participants to step briefly into the shoes of individuals who navigate the world without sight.

“If you cannot change the situation, change your mindset. Don’t wait for life to become perfect. Train your mind to see possibilities even in difficult situations,” Mr. Kothari explained, reminding everyone that true strength lies not in controlling circumstances but in choosing how we respond to them.

Some things in life cannot be changed (like a physical limitation, past events, or unexpected problems). But our mindset, courage, and attitude can always be changed. When the mindset changes, a limitation can become strength or motivation. Yet, there was a deeper meaning in this, Eyes give sight, but mindset gives vision. Even someone who cannot see, can still have clear inner vision and purpose.

One of the most impactful components of the workshop was the experiential simulation exercises, where participants were blindfolded and asked to perform everyday tasks. Staff members attempted activities such as identifying common objects through touch, recognising sounds and navigating spaces with the help of verbal instructions.These exercises highlighted how individuals with visual impairment rely on heightened sensory awareness and structured guidance.

Participants also engaged in guided mobility exercises, learning how to assist a visually impaired person using human guiding techniques. Through this activity, staff members understood the importance of clear communication, patience and spatial awareness while supporting someone who cannot rely on sight.

Teaching and non-teaching staff of HSNC University participate in the interactive Antar-Chakshu sensitisation workshop on visual impairment and accessibility.

Participants were also given two short activities designed to test attention, adaptability and motor coordination under unfamiliar conditions. In the first task, basic mathematical operations were intentionally altered, the symbols for addition, subtraction, multiplication and division were interchanged. Participants were required to solve 16 equations within one minute, forcing them to override habitual patterns and quickly adapt to the modified rules.

In the second task, participants were asked to copy a four-line poem using their non-dominant hand. This exercise challenged fine motor control and highlighted the difficulty of performing routine tasks when familiar physical abilities are restricted. Together, the activities helped participants experience the importance of patience, concentration and empathy when faced with altered cognitive or physical conditions.

Another engaging segment involved sensory recognition activities, where participants attempted to identify objects using only tactile cues and auditory signals. The exercise demonstrated how touch and sound become crucial channels of perception for visually impaired individuals.

The facilitators also introduced participants to assistive technologies and accessibility tools, including screen readers, audio-based navigation tools and digital accessibility features that enable visually impaired persons to study, work and interact independently. Discussions also focused on how universities can ensure accessible services, from administrative counters to digital platforms and learning materials.

Staff members take part in a blindfolded simulation exercise during the Antar-Chakshu workshop at HSNC University.

The session concluded with an interactive reflection segment in which teaching and non-teaching staff shared their experiences and insights from the exercises. Many participants described the workshop as eye-opening, noting that even brief simulations helped them better understand the challenges and capabilities of visually impaired individuals.

Faculty members and administrative staff alike emphasised that such initiatives are crucial for building an inclusive campus culture, where accessibility is embedded not only in infrastructure but also in everyday interactions and institutional practices. The workshop helped participants reflect on attitudes and beliefs towards persons with vision impairment. It also helped orient them to concepts of inclusion, accessibility, equal opportunity employment and related ideas. Participants gained valuable insights of personal strength, ability to work around situations, power of imagination and the inherent human capacity to overcome odds through innovation and determination.

“Sensitisation initiatives like ‘Antar-Chakshu’ are an important part of capacity building within the University ecosystem. When teaching and administrative staff understand the practical challenges faced by visually impaired individuals, they are better equipped to respond with sensitivity and confidence in their day-to-day roles,” Dr. Leena Pujari, Dean, Inter-disciplinary Studies said.

Participants attempt reading and problem-solving tasks as part of a simulation exercise highlighting accessibility challenges during the Antar-Chakshu workshop.

Through initiatives like “Antar-Chakshu,” HSNC University continues to strengthen its commitment to inclusive education and socially responsible institutional practices.

The workshop served as a powerful reminder that awareness and empathy are the first steps toward building campuses that are accessible, welcoming and equitable for all.

Read full story at source