Christian Foundation for the Blind’s Braille printing press has received recognition from Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for its service
Christian Foundation for the Blind’s Braille printing press recently received an award from Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment for its service to the visually-impaired.
The press was started by Alfred George in 1978 to build a storehouse of Braille books for the blind. “The press was started by my father, who was visually-impaired. Back then, there was not much literature available for the blind. My father wanted to change this,” says Sam Simon George, who took over the management of the press after his father’s demise 11 years ago.
A specialised machine was brought from Germany and the press started printing magazines in Braille form.
“Articles and stories from Chanda Mama, Kumudam were published in one magazine in Braille form,” he adds.
The press publishes school, college books, journals, magazines and Christian literature as well.
Though aided by the government, Sam says printing Braille books is quite expensive.
“But, we sell all our titles at a subsidised rate. For instance, if a dictionary costs Rs. 2,500 for printing, we offer it for Rs. 700.”
The press has printed 1,500 titles in the 37 years it has existed.
Also, it received the ‘best employer of persons with disability’ award a few years ago.
“Around 50 per cent of our employees are visually-impaired. Of the 55 staff we have, 25 are blind,” he adds.
The Foundation also runs a free blind women’s hostel where it trains women in tailoring, bag making, cooking and rehabilitates them.
The press is located at No 33A, Annadurai Street, Anakaputhur. For details, call 2248 6773.
==================================
