This Kerala-Based Educator Is Teaching Blind Students Online Amid Covid

Tiffany Brar, a visually impaired social activist from Kerala is ensuring that her students continue to get education even during the COVID-19 pandemic

Tiffany Brar, a visually impaired social activist and a special educator from Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram, says the pandemic has shaken her like never before. "There have been instances where I or my students couldn't cross the road because people were hesitant to hold our hands due to the pandemic. People are afraid of touching. We rely heavily on touch," the 32-year-old tells NDTV as she walks towards a fruit vendor with the help of her cane. The classes and hostels run by Ms Brar as part of Jyothirgamaya Foundation remain empty amid the lockdown. Mr Brar, at one such empty classroom, feels her way through the cupboards - marked with words in English as well as Braille - showing us around. She now uses her smartphone to conduct computer and English classes online. And the classes are free for visually impaired students who can't afford to pay a fee. "I got to know about this audio editing class through Jyothirgamaya. They deposited the fees of Rs 2000 on my behalf. They did this when they got to know I am interested in studying," Sumesh, one of her online students says. His father is a daily wager.