27/02/2026
A Historic Milestone: Inauguration of Inclusive Braille Academy at University of Peshawar
We are delighted to share a landmark achievement for disability inclusion in higher education — the inauguration of the first-ever Inclusive Braille Academy at the Department of Social Work, University of Peshawar.
This pioneering initiative has been made possible through the strenuous and dedicated efforts of the Pakistan Association of the Blind, in collaboration with the Directorate of Social Welfare, Special Education and Women Empowerment, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, following an MoU signed in January 2025. It reflects a strong commitment to , , and equal educational opportunities for students with visual impairment.
The ceremony was graced by Mr. Muhammad Khalid Zaman, Honorable Director Social Welfare Department, as the Chief Guest.
The event was attended by:
Qari Saad Noor, President, Pakistan Association of the Blind
Dr. Anwar Alam, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Peshawar
Dr. Shakeel Ahmed, Chairman, Department of Social Work
Ms. Palwasha Sajjad, Assistant Director Social Welfare
Mr. Awais Alam, Special Education Teacher
Mr. Muhammad Arif, Principal, School for Visually Challenged Students
Mr. Rizwan Marwat, Director, Special Education Complex
Respected faculty members, students, and visually impaired scholars
The Inclusive Braille Academy will equip visually impaired students with Braille literacy, digital skills, and assistive technology training, enabling them to achieve independence, enhance employability, and actively participate in academic and social life. The academy also aligns with the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), particularly in the areas of accessibility, inclusive education, and employment.
This facility will serve as a rehabilitative learning laboratory for the newly introduced BS and MS programs in Social Policy and Rehabilitation, preparing future professionals with practical competencies in inclusive development and disability-sensitive social policy.
At a time of financial constraints in many universities, the Department of Social Work has demonstrated innovation, leadership, and a strong commitment to social justice by prioritizing inclusion through partnerships and community engagement. This initiative is fully aligned with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan’s policies on disability inclusion and sets a model for other universities across the country.
It is envisioned that this Braille Academy will soon be upgraded into a separate department at the University of Peshawar, further strengthening inclusive higher education in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Directorate of Social Welfare, the University of Peshawar, and all partners and stakeholders who made this historic milestone possible.
Together, we are moving towards an equitable, accessible, and inclusive higher education system where students with visual impairment are recognized as active contributors to academic excellence and social development.
University of Peshawar
