New Opportunities for Students with Visual Impairments at the Library of Kozybayev University

A reading machine for students with visual impairments has been installed in the reading hall of the library at Kozybayev University. This special device helps users independently study printed texts, books, documents, and educational materials. Such technologies make education more accessible and allow students to comfortably receive information without outside assistance.

The operating principle of the device is quite simple: a built-in camera or scanner photographs the text, the program then recognizes the printed characters, and afterward the text is voiced through a speaker or headphones. The reading machine speeds up work with large volumes of information, increases the accessibility of the educational environment, and contributes to the academic and social integration of students.

“The new equipment was purchased as part of the university’s efforts to create an accessible and inclusive educational environment. The device enables students to independently work with educational and scientific literature, receiving information in a convenient audio format in more than 20 languages, including Kazakh, Russian, and English,” noted Library Director Asiya Yermisheva.

Currently, 16 students with visual impairments are studying at the university.

“The use of the reading machine will allow students to independently work with printed publications, educational materials, and documents, significantly expanding access to the library’s educational resources. This will positively affect the education of students with visual impairments because it is very important that everyone has equal access to information,” noted Akzhan Karim, Head of the Inclusive Education Center at Kozybayev University.

In addition, the library of Kozybayev University provides literature in Braille, audio versions of books, and digitized publications for students with special educational needs.

The university strives to create equal opportunities for all students and will continue its work on modernizing the library space and implementing modern technologies aimed at developing a contemporary inclusive educational environment.