Highlights from the SATHI Program in 2025
Across India, thousands of visually impaired adults and children continue to face barriers in education, mobility, and independence due to limited access to assistive technology. Vision-Aid is bridging this gap through large-scale device distribution, specialized training, and sustained support systems that empower beneficiaries for the long term.
Launched in early 2025, with support from a generous anonymous donor, Project SATHI (Smart Assistive Technology for Holistic Inclusion) has become Vision-Aid’s flagship initiative to promote inclusive education, independent living, and employment readiness for aspirational communities.
Project SATHI provides laptops, smartphones, smart vision glasses, tablets, Aura vision glasses, digital magnifiers, and other advanced technology-based assistive devices to the underprivileged visually impaired. If you are visually impaired and would like to request a device, email sathi@visionaid.org
Matching grants
Vision-Aid offers matching grants to Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, and other community-based organizations to increase the impact of this program. For more details of this, please email sathi@visionaid.org.communities.
1. Smartphone Distribution Events (2025)
Smartphones have become a powerful gateway to independence, enabling screen readers, audio learning, communication tools, and navigation support for visually impaired students.
Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 29 April 2025
Institution: Odisha Association for the Blind (OAB)
Event: Assistive Devices Distribution Camp
Impact:
- Smartphones distributed
- Beneficiaries included students from OAB Model School, Computer Training Centre, Vocational Training Centre, and NCSC-DA
- Event attended by Hon’ble Speaker of Odisha Assembly, Members of Parliament, and NHRC representatives
This event reinforced the role of assistive technology in inclusive education and mobility.
Guwahati, Assam, 24 June 2025
Institution: Guwahati Blind High School
Impact:
- Smartphones distributed to students of Class IX–X
- Supported digital learning and communication access through accessible apps
Nagaon, Assam, 25 June 2025
Institution: Sreemanta Sankar Mission Blind High School
Impact:
- Smartphones distributed to students of Class VIII–X
- Enabled academic learning using screen-reading technology
Bobbili, Andhra Pradesh, 27 June 2025
Institution: Asian-Aid High School for the Blind
Impact:
- Smartphones distributed to students of Class IX–X
- Technology ecosystem strengthened through an MoU for long-term digital support
Bhuj, Gujarat, 28 June 2025
Institution: Shree Navchetan Andhjan Mandal
Impact:
- Smartphones distributed to students of Grades V–XII
- Local-language training support ensured effective adoption
Pune, Maharashtra, 21 July 2025
Institution: Poona School and Home for the Blind Trust
Impact:
- Smartphones distributed
- Supported academic development and skill-building programs
Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, 23 July 2025
Institution: Aravind Eye Hospital (Project SATHI)
Impact:
- Smartphones distributed as part of a combined assistive technology intervention
- Hands-on training provided to beneficiaries for effective usage
Madurai, Tamil Nadu, 14 August 2025
Institution: St. Joseph’s School for the Blind
Impact:
- Smartphones distributed to Class XII students
- Focus on digital literacy, independent learning, and career readiness
Karimpuzha, Palakkad, Kerala, 08 October 2025
Institution: Helen Keller Centenary Memorial Model School for the Blind
Impact:
- Smartphones distributed to all 11 high school students
- Event inaugurated by Sri. Aneesh S., Inspector of Police
- Presided by Sri. P. Muraleedharan, PTA President
This event was considered historic, marking one of the first structured smartphone interventions for blind high school students in Kerala.
Visakhapatnam (Vizag), Andhra Pradesh, 18 October 2025
Event: Smart Phone Distribution
Impact:
- Mobile phones distributed
This distribution strengthened beneficiaries’ independence by providing a combination of assistive tools supporting digital learning, communication, and daily accessibility.
Junagadh, Gujarat, 01 November 2025
Institution: Pragna Chaksu Charitable Trust Sanchalit Andh Kanya Chhatralay
Impact:
- Smartphones donated through in-kind support
This event demonstrated Vision-Aid’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and measurable outcomes.
2. Laptop Distribution Events (2025)
Laptops configured with screen readers and accessibility software are critical for higher education, vocational training, and employment readiness.
Jaipur, Rajasthan, 13 May 2025
Institution: Rajasthan Netrahin Kalyan Sangh (RNKS)
Event: “Empowering Vision Beyond Sight”
Impact:
- Laptops distributed to meritorious students from Classes X–XII
- Strengthened access to digital learning and career preparation
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, 25 June 2025
Institution: Nethra Vidyalaya Junior College
Impact:
- Laptops distributed
- A permanent computer lab was inaugurated
- Devices retained as long-term digital infrastructure for future student batches
Patiala, Punjab, September 2025
Institution: Patiala School for Deaf and Blind (Established 1967)
Impact:
- Laptops distributed to students of Class XI–XII
- Supported exam readiness, digital education, and employability
- Institution serves approximately 450 students
Visakhapatnam (Vizag), Andhra Pradesh, 18 October 2025
Event: Laptop Distribution
Impact:
- Laptops distributed to beneficiaries
This intervention strengthened learning opportunities and digital access for visually impaired students.
3. Smart Vision Glasses Distribution Events (AI-Powered SmartGlasses)
AI-powered Smart Vision Glasses support real-time reading, face recognition, object identification, and navigation.
Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, 23 July 2025
Institution: Aravind Eye Hospital (Project SATHI)
Impact:
- Smart Vision Glasses distributed along with smartphones
- Training support ensured effective adoption through SHG team
Chandigarh, 11 August 2025
Institution: Institute for the Blind, Sector 26
Partner: Rotary Club Chandigarh
Impact:
- AI Smart Vision Glasses distributed
- Structured training provided for practical daily-life usage
Visakhapatnam (Vizag), Andhra Pradesh, 18 October 2025
Event: SVG Distribution
Impact:
- Smart Vision Glasses distributed to beneficiaries
This initiative enabled beneficiaries to access real-time reading and navigation support for daily independence.
4. Aura Vision Glasses (AR-Based Low Vision Support)
Aura Vision Glasses are AR-powered devices deployed at major eye hospitals. These solutions improve contrast and magnification, supporting low-vision individuals in regaining functional independence.
5. Tactile Braille STEM Books (Inclusive Education Support)
Tactile Braille STEM books enable visually impaired students to learn mathematics and science through touch-based diagrams and structured Braille content.
Impact in 2025:
- 1150 students supported cumulatively
- 75+ teachers trained to integrate tactile STEM learning in classrooms
6. Samsung Tablets for Children with CVI
Children with Cortical Visual Impairment require specialized therapy and learning tools.
Impact in 2025:
- 75 children supported
- Samsung tablets distributed pre-loaded with the Vision Nanny therapeutic app
Creating Inclusive Futures Together
Vision-Aid’s work through Project SATHI proves that assistive technology is more than hardware—it is a pathway to dignity, independence, and opportunity. Each intervention is strengthened through training, monitoring, and follow-up support, ensuring long-term transformation for beneficiaries.
How You Can Help
By partnering with Vision-Aid, you can help expand these life-changing interventions and bring assistive technology to thousands more visually impaired individuals across India.