Educational visit to NIEPVD

INTRODUCTION

As part of the nursing curriculum, an educational visit of 2days was organized by Community Health Nursing Department to the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Visual Disabilities (NIEPVD) on 9&12 January. This Institute was established in 1979 under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, this institute serves as the apex body for the rehabilitation and empowerment of visually impaired individuals in India.

OBJECTIVES OF THE VISIT

3. KEY DEPARTMENTS VISITED

A. Department of Clinical & Rehabilitation Psychology

Students observed the OPD setup where mental health screening and case history taking are conducted. The department provides counseling and manages the behavioral aspects of disability, which is a critical component of Psychiatric Nursing.

B. Early Intervention Centre (EIC)

This unit focuses on children (0-6 years) with developmental delays or multiple disabilities. Nursing students observed:Occupational Therapy: Enhancing fine motor skills. Speech Therapy: Addressing communication barriers.Central Braille Press & National Accessible Library: Students visited the production unit of Braille textbooks and the "Talking Book" studio. This highlighted the importance of accessible health education materials for patients who are visually impaired.

NURSING IMPLICATIONS & LEARNINGS

Communication Skills: Learned "Verbal Pathfinding" and how to interact with visually impaired patients without causing anxiety. Patient Safety: Observed how the environment is modified (tactile paths/bright colors) to prevent falls and injuries-a key nursing priority. Holistic Care: Understood that nursing care for the disabled extends beyond medical treatment to include social reintegration and psychological resilience.

CONCLUSION

The visit to NIEPVD (NIVH) provided a profound understanding of the challenges and capabilities of visually impaired individuals. For nursing students, it emphasized the shift from a "medical model" of disability to a "social model" of empowerment. This exposure will enhance our ability to provide inclusive and empathetic care in clinical and community settings.

Total Faculties: