To mark the International Day of the Blind, a cadet hackathon “Library of the Future: Cadets’ Ideas for a Barrier-Free Space” was held at the Donetsk State University of Internal Affairs.
The speaker of the event was Kateryna Bohdashova, a librarian of the general library. During her speech, she emphasized the importance of introducing literature in Braille, audiobooks, tactile catalogs, special navigation systems for people with visual impairments, as well as the development of digital platforms that allow you to receive information in a convenient and accessible form.
The participants of the meeting got familiarized with literature in Braille and even tried themselves in the role of a blind reader, reading with their eyes closed.
The practical part of the hackathon involved working in teams to create their own concepts for a “barrier-free library.” One team worked digitally, creating 3D models and interactive plans using specialized software. The other team used a traditional approach, developing ideas on paper through drawings and illustrations.
Such creative exercises gave cadets the opportunity to show creativity, understand the real needs of people with visual impairments, and feel their role in shaping a barrier-free educational environment.
