3D for Accessibility
Project Wings to Dreams 2023-2024
Resource Centre for Accessible Facilities
An initiation by Chain For Change - CFC in collaboration with Expedición Solidaria, Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain and St. Xavier's College, Maitighar, Kathmandu under the project "Wings to Dreams".
Establishing Resource Centre for Accessible Facilities and integrating it in education system is CFC's mega project to overcome the graphical challenges faced by persons with visual disabilities. There are subjects in curriculum having diagram and graphical content which are understood only through visual cues or perception. This causes more than 90% of the published materials in the world inaccessible to persons with visual disabilities states World Blind Union. This is why, we need your attention and support in any way possible.
Chain For Change has received the 3D printer with the support from Expedición Solidaria and has inaugurated the Resource Centre for Accessible Facilities at St. Xavier's College, Maitighar, Kathmandu on 17th March, 2023. A dedicated course has alre
Project Presentation to Women Leaders in Technology - 2024
On 4th May, 2024, members of Chain For Change working in the Project Wings to Dreams carried out an interactive session to the fellows of Women Leaders in Technology at Prime College, Khusibu. The session was focused to help the WLiT team understand about the project, its goals, activities, and impact along with their contribution to the community that we are serving.
It began with the presentation from our Co-founder & Treasurer Sanjiya Shrestha explaining about disabilities and its types. Then, the Founder & President Abhishek Shahi briefed about the project journey and goals. Khushi Subedi explained about the trip that the group had in their design classes and workshop. Karmendra Shrestha shared how an individual conceptualized and made 3D models using locally available resources. Romee Jijicha explained the challenges that the team faced during the process.
Joon Shakya - IT & Creative Specialists gave demonstration of CFC website and App along with the involvement of designing
Project Presentation to St. Claret College - 2024
On 18th March, 2024, members of Project Wings to Dreams gave presentation to the representative of St. Claret College, Bangalore, India where they shared about the project, its goals, activities, impact and challenges along with fun games and interaction. There were 2 teaching faculties and 8 students who attended this session.
One of the project members, Sanskriti Pokharel welcomed and open the presentation with her moderating skills. Sangam Khadka shared about the project goals and the journey of collaboration between Chain For Change, St. Xavier's College, Universitat Politècnica de València and Expedición Solidaria,.
Karmendra Shrestha presented about the CFC application and its features along with 3D designing team to the participants and Khushi Subedi explained about the journey that an individual had gone through as a project member in designing and making 3D models and working as a team to carry out workshops in schools to support children with visual disabilities.
Srijan
Project Presentation in Chiyaguff Session - 2024
On 9th March, 2024, members of Project Wings to Dreams carried out an interactive presentation to the Alumni of St. Xavier’s College in 16th Chiyaguff session. There were 35 attendees in the event who learned about Project Wings to Dreams, its goals, activities, impact and challenges along with fun games to understand and empathize about blindness.
Project members Sangam Khadka and Sanskriti Pokharel moderated the session with their dramatic and emotional hosting skills. Founder and President of CFC Abhishek Shahi and Co-founder and Treasurer Sanjiya Shrestha shared about Chain For Change’s journey and the conceptualization of project and its goals. Project Lead, Joon Shakya who made CFC app and became a part of 3D design team showcased about the features of application via smart board.
Likewise, Project Secretary Karmendra Shrestha presented about how each project members individually researched, designed and made accessible 3D models using locally available resources. Khushi Sube
Workshop on Amoeba - 2024
On 16th February, 2024, project members Romee Jijicha Sunuwar, Khushi Subedi, Joon Shakya and Karmendra Shrestha visited Laboratory School to give a workshop on Amoeba to the students with visual disabilities of Grade 7 and 8.
Like always, each project members sat beside the students and administer the pre-test. Romee then, explained about Amoeba and in turn, each of the students were given opportunity to touch and explore the accessible 3D model of Amoeba. They use CFC app and listen to the audio description as well. The workshop ended with the completion of post-test.
Workshop on Layers of Soil, Traffic Signs and Flag of Nepal - 2024
On 9th February, 2024 project members Sangam Khadka, Khushi Subedi, Karmendra Shrestha and Sanskriti Pokharel visited Laboratory School and gave a workshop on Layers of Soil, Traffic Signs and Flag of Nepal to the students with visual disabilities of grade 6.
At first, each of them sat beside the students and administered pre-test to assess their understanding about the topic ‘Layers of Soil’. Later, Sangam Khadka explained about the topic and one by one, they touch and explored the 3D model. All the students took their turn to perceive the model in detail.
Similarly, they were also given to touch the 3D models of ‘Flag of Nepal’ and ‘Traffic Signs’. They explored the models and gave creative feedbacks. Students also use mobile phone to operate CFC app and listen to audio description of the model. The workshop completed after post-tests were administered.
Recognized as top 10 idea in College Idea Hunt - 2024
On 3rd February, 2024, project members Joon Shakya and Karmendra Shrestha took part in College Idea Hunt – 2024 organized by Idea Studio Nepal and presented about the Project Wings to Dreams. The duo got selected from the pool of hundreds of idea and reached to the final 10 ideas.
Both of them got chance to be a part of Incubation Session where they learned about various topics like ideation, finance and budgeting, design thinking, developing lean canvas model, etc. They also interacted with a whole host of successful people from various backgrounds, built networks and learned and practiced how to make and give an effective pitch.
Won 1st Position in 28th SET Exhibition, Social Service Category - 2024
On 2nd February, 2024, with the leadership of IT & Creative Specialist – CFC and Project Lead Joon Shakya and fellow members Karmendra Shrestha, Romee Jijicha and Sanskriti Pokharel represented Project Wings to Dreams in 28th SET Exhibition 2024 organized by SET counsel, St. Xavier’s College, Maitighar. The team won the 1st position receiving highest vote in Social Service category in this event.
There were around 160 visitors in the stall of the project who observed the 3D models made by the project members. The team also explained and presented about the CFC app and its features that includes scanning QR code and provide audio description of accessible 3D models, provide guidance for in-door navigation and find scribe to support persons with visual disabilities in their examination. They won the trophy, canvas, cash price and certificate stating their participation in the event.
Workshop on Atomic Structure - 2023
On 31st December, 2023, Project Members Sangam Khadka, Sweta Shakya, Sambek Shahi and Sanskriti Pokharel visited Laboratory School, Kirtipur, Kathmandu and gave a workshop on Atomic structure of first 20 elements to the students with visual disabilities of Grade 9.
At first, they took the pre-test of the students to assess their knowledge. Then, Sangam and the team explained about the concept to the students. Each of them sat beside the students with visual disabilities and made them hold the accessible 3D models of Atomic structure. They holed their hands and made them understand about each elements on the table.
The students also used CFC app to read the model description from their mobile devices. They just had to locate the QR and scan with the app. Rest, they could listen to their screen reader, explaining them conveniently. Then post tests were conducted to assess the effectiveness of the process.
Workshop on Plant and Animal Cells - 2023
On 29th December, 2023, Project Members Khushi Subedi, Romee Jijicha, Sangam Khadka and Karmendra Shrestha gave a workshop about Plant and Animal Cells to the students with visual disabilities of Grade 9 and 10 studying in Laboratory Secondary School, Kirtipur, Kathmandu.
Khushi who conceptualized and made the accessible 3D Plant and Animal Cells, explained about the topic to the students. Other project members supported the students in understanding the lecture. One by one, they went to the individual student and made them touch the models and learn about the concept by the use of their senses of touch and sound.
Along with that, students also were taught to explore the model through CFC app which gave audio description of the 3D accessible models by scanning the QRs attached to it. Pre and Post tests were conducted to assess the effectiveness of the process.
Workshop on Phases of Moon, Life cycle of Honeybee and Parts of Flower - 2023
On 19th December, 2023, project members from BA department Karmendra Shrestha, Sanskriti Pokharel and Shreejana Katwal Gave a workshop for Grade 6 students with visual disabilities studying in Laboratory Secondary School, Kirtipur.
They divided the students into 3 different groups and each one of them explained their topics to their respective groups. Karmendra explained about the Phases of Moon, Sanskriti explained about the lifecycle of honeybee and Shreejana educated them about the parts of flowers. During the workshop they also taught students with visual disabilities to use CFC app and scan the QR to listen to the model description.
This workshop almost took an entire school day. Each of them picked their turn and switch their groups and shared about their respective accessible 3D models. Pre and Post tests were conducted in every group to assess the effectiveness of the process.
CFC App Launch and Awarding Ceremony - 2023
On 8th December, 2023 - Friday, Chain For Change carried out 'CFC App Launch and Awarding Ceremony' at St. Xavier's College, Maitighar, Kathmandu. Fr. Jiju Varghese, S.J., and Ms. Fanny Collado attended the event as an esteem guests.
At first, Co-founder and Treasurer, Ms. Sanjiya Shrestha welcomed the guests. Then, Khushi Subedi and Abhishek Uprety gave a presentation about Project 'Wings to Dreams'. Joon Shakya - It and Creative Specialist introduced everyone about the CFC app features. Then, Karmendra Shrestha shared his experience of being a scribe. Sonu gave a bold speech about her struggle as a student with visual disability and Mr. Khem Prasai shared his journey of teaching and supporting students with disabilities.
At that event, Mr. Khem Prasai, Mr. Devendra Paudel and Mrs. Mina Shrestha were officially inducted to CFC's Hall of FAMES as a honorary members. 15 scribes and 19 team members of event organizer were also awarded with certificates. Our international interns from
Workshop on Accessibility Testing & Assessment of St. Xavier's College, Maitighar from Students/Alumni with Disabilities - 2023
On 2nd December, 2023, Interned Architect for Accessibility (Valeria), dedicated team and CFC members organized an interactive Workshop on Accessibility Testing & Assessment of St. Xavier's College, Maitighar from Students/Alumni with Disabilities. The objective of this workshop was to collect the feedback and suggestion regarding the accessibility issues that students and alumni face while navigating the college.
Participants with visual and physical disabilities worked with Valeria and suggested some improvements in the base of 3D maqueta of St. Xavier's College, Maitighar. Then, Joon Shakya - IT and Creative Specialist shared about the new scribe and internal navigation features in the CFC application and gather some feedbacks. Even, Fanny Collado from Expedición Solidaria and Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain attended the workshop and observed the happenings.
Workshop on Accessible 3D Academic Models with Braille Leveling at Laboratory School - 2023
On 3rd November, 2023, two of our international intern students (Victoria and Valeria), dedicated team of Project 'Wings to Dreams' and members of CFC went to Laboratory Secondary School, Kirtipur, Kathmandu and carried out a workshop relating to accessible 3D academic models to the students with visual disabilities of grade 6 to 10.
From 19th September, 2023, the printing of the models started in Nepal and till date, prototype of map of Nepal with provinces, Swaymbhunath Stupa, Menstrual cycle of female reproductive organ and mathematics circle, fraction and shape was demonstrated to the children with visual disabilities. Each model had braille leveling and all the product carried an essence of learning with fun. The 3D models were designed by our intern design instructor Ms. Victoria Olcina Marcos.
During the workshop, participating students interacted and learn touching the educational 3D materials and gave their feedback and suggestion to make it more effective. Soon, a mobile
Assessment of 3D models and CFC application and Workshop of Braille Script Writing - 2023
On 14th October, 2023 - Saturday, Chain For Change organized assessment of 3D models and CFC mobile app along with Workshop on writing Braille Script to the dedicated team of Project 'Wings to Dreams'. There were two different segments specially design and tailored to support in developing accessible and inclusive 3D products for persons with visual disabilities.
First, we tested how 3D models help people with visual disabilities understand graphical content through an activity. Then, we did a trial run of the Chain For Change mobile app to see how audio descriptions of 3D models help those with visual disabilities understand visual content. Finally, we studied whether inclusion of braille leveling on any 3D models better enhances the learning ability of those with visual disabilities?
In the second part, there was a workshop on writing Braille script facilitated by Ms. Sabitri Paudel and Ms. Sonu Gyuwali. Dedicated team learned to write basic braille alphabets and symbols in Engli
Workshop on Solar System in Namuna Machindra School - 2023
On October 6, 2023, two international interns, Victoria and Valeria, along with a dedicated team from the BBS department and CFC members, conducted the second workshop about the Solar System for students with visual disabilities studying in grades 6, 7, and 8 at Namuna Machindra School in Lagankhel.
In the beginning, the students were provided with a braille card containing information about the sun, planets, satellites, and the solar system. They read this information and then discussed it within their groups. Each student was given a planet to paint, and the materials for making a solar system chart were provided by the international interns and the dedicated team using locally available resources.
Once the students finished painting their assigned planets and other celestial objects, they added them to the solar system chart. The session concluded with each student giving a brief presentation about the part of the solar system they had worked on. Blind section in charge and resp
Workshop on Geometrical Shapes in Namuna Machindra School - 2023
On October 5, 2023, two international interns, Victoria and Valeria, along with a dedicated team that specializes in using locally sourced materials and CFC members, conducted the first Geometrical Shapes Workshop for students with visual disabilities studying in grades 6, 7, and 8 at Namuna Machindra School.
In a prior session focused on resourceful design, a team comprising members from BA, BBS, and Microbiology departments crafted a variety of 2D and 3D geometrical shapes, providing intricate details. They even used a 3D pen to create the outlines of 2D shapes. During the workshop, the students utilized everyday items such as sticks, clay, and paper to construct diverse 3D geometrical shapes. This hands-on experience significantly enhanced the understanding of complex geometrical concepts among the children with visual disabilities, a level of comprehension that printed textbooks or course materials might not have accomplished.
Workshop on Solar System in Laboratory Secondary School - 2023
On 3rd October, 2023, International Interns (Victoria and Valeria), a dedicated team from BBS department and CFC members visited Laboratory Secondary School, Kirtipur to carry out 3rd workshop relating to Solar System to the students of visual disabilities of grade 6 and 7.
At first, the students were given a braille card to read some details about the sun, planets, satellite and solar system family. Then, they interacted within the group. As per the names of the planet they received in their braille card, the students were given to paint the planets and other heavenly bodies of solar system chart that was prepared with locally available resources by the international interns and the dedicated team.
When the paint was drying up, students and the dedicated team collected some pebbles. After everything was ready, the students pasted their corresponding planets and other part of the solar system in the chart. Later, they concluded the session by giving short presentation. Ex-coordinat
Workshop on Geometrical Shapes in Laboratory Secondary School - 2023
On 22nd September, 2023 - Friday, international interns (Victoria and Valeria), dedicated team designing with locally available resources from BBS department and CFC members visited Laboratory Secondary School to carry out the second workshop of Geometrical Shapes for the students of grade 6 and 7.
In the previous class of designing with locally available resources, dedicated team from BA, BBS and BSC Microbiology made different geometrical shapes in 2D and 3D along with the details. They used 3D pen to make the 2D outline. On the workshop day, students used locally available resources like sticks, clays, papers and so on to make various 3D geometrical shapes. The workshop gave more clear idea to these children with visual disabilities about the concept of complex geometrical shapes which otherwise would not be possible to understand through printed published text or course books.
First printing of accessible 3D model along with braille leveling - 2023
On 19th September, 2023, Intern Design Instructor Victoria along with dedicated team working on 3D designing made a first printing of accessible 3D model of map of Nepal with braille leveling. Intern Design instructor taught the dedicated team members to assemble the 3D printer, place the Resin ink, and process to print the 3D model. This model was design by Victoria with the support of dedicated team. It took almost 12 hours to print the first part of the model and successive number of days to print the rest of the parts.
Workshop on Spatial Orientation through Animals and Birds in Laboratory Secondary School - 2023
In September 17, 2023, international interns and exchange students from Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain, CFC members along with a dedicated team, organized a workshop for 19 children with visual disabilities at Laboratory Secondary School, Kirtipur. The workshop focused on helping these children improve their spatial orientation using animals and birds.
Victoria, Valeria, and the dedicated team created animal masks from locally available materials. The masks represented animals like cats, cows, chickens, dogs, monkeys, frogs, and tigers. Each child received a mask corresponding to an animal or bird found in their surroundings. They used these masks to follow the sounds of these creatures and practice navigation.
After the navigation activity, the children enjoyed a dance session to music. At the end of the workshop, they were allowed to keep the masks of the animals and birds they used. The dedicated team from BSC Microbiology provided valuable support throughout the wor
Welcoming Valeria Müller Tofiño (Intern Architect for Accessibility) - 2023
On 29th August, 2023 - Tuesday, Ms. Valeria Müller Tofiño visited St. Xavier's College, Maitighar where she had been selected as a Exchange Student from Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain. Superior and Director of International Relations, Fr. Jiju Varghese, S.J officially welcomed her to the college in a small event alongside CFC members, dedicated team and staffs from St. Xavier's College, Maitighar. She is interning as an Architect for Accessibility in the Project Wings to Dreams where she facilitate students participating in the project regarding understanding and creating accessible and inclusive infrastructure and model and also research and study about building and infrastructure of participating educational institutes to provide suggestions and recommendation to make it more accessible and inclusive.
Design Classes for Locally Available Resources - 2023
From 21st August, 2023 - Monday, Dedicated team members from BA and BBS department had started their classes of designing with locally available resources. They had been working closely with Victoria (Intern Design Instructor) and progressing on to create concepts on several topics and themes and develop inclusive and accessible models. Once they develop models, they will also be giving workshops based on their outcome and exploration.
Field Visit to Laboratory Secondary School, Kirtipur - 2023
On 17th August, 2023 - Thursday, 5 Dedicated team members along with Victoria Olcina Marcos (Intern Design Instructor) and CFC members had visited Laboratory Secondary School, Kirtipur, Kathmandu. In the visit, the dedicated team interviewed different subject teachers teaching the students with visual disabilities in their respective grades. They also had interaction with the Principal of the school Dr. Lakpa Sherpa along with Ex Coordinator Mrs. Mina Shrestha, Blind Section In charge Mrs. Samita Devi Shakya and two of the resource teachers Mr. Ramesh Subedi and Sita Jyawali.
Alongside their visit, they took a tour of the school premises and observed the Blind section for the resources that they have been using and probed their needs and requirement. After this visit, the students working in 3D design have gained some sound understanding about the condition of graphical challenges in their academics and daily lives of persons with visual disabilities.
3D Design Classes for Dedicated Team - 2023
Dedicated team from BSCCSIT and BIM started their 3D Design classes from 7th August, 2023 - Monday at PTA hall of St. Xavier's College. Ms. Victoria Olcina Marcos who is the exchange student from Universitat Politècnica de València to St. Xavier's College, Maitighar and interned instructor to Project Wings to Dreams; 3D for Accessibility initiated by Chain For Change has been taking 3D design classes for 3 days per week.
Every day the involved members are working on different software to learn and create 3D concept and design. They are also sketching and engaged in participatory group activities to innovate new and effective ideas. These members are responsible for the printing and improving the inclusive 3D materials.
Welcoming Victoria Olcina Marcos (Intern Design Instructor) - 2023
On 25th July, 2023 - Tuesday, Ms. Victoria Olcina Marcos visited St. Xavier's College, Maitighar where she had been selected as a Exchange Student from Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain. Superior and Director of International Relations, Fr. Jiju Varghese, S.J officially welcomed her to the college in a small event alongside CFC members, Dedicated team and staffs from St. Xavier's College, Maitighar. She is interning as a Design Instructor in the Project Wings to Dreams where she facilitate students participating in the project regarding designing from 3D and Locally available resources.
Orientation About Visual Disabilities to Dedicated Team - 2023
On 2nd July, 2023 - Sunday, Dedicated team members of Project Wings to Dreams received an orientation about visual disability at the hall of Loyola block of St. Xavier's College from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Ms. Sanjiya Shrestha (Co-founder and Treasurer) presented about the disability and its type to the participants. The event also had interactive group games tailored to their needs that would support them to better understand about blindness.
Survey at Laboratory Secondary School, Kirtipur - 2023
Our Dedicated team from Business Studies and Microbiology Department had visited Laboratory Secondary School, Kirtipur, Kathmandu on 28th June, 2023 and had undertaken survey. All 5 members met with the students and teachers with visual disabilities and associated school staffs and filled the survey and collected their experiences and expectation regarding the 3D models and their perception.
First Orientation Meeting - Project "Wings to Dreams"
On 28th April, 2023 - Friday, first meeting with the students of St. Xavier's College, Maitighar, Kathmandu was conducted. The Founder & Director of Chain For Change Mr. Abhishek Shahi and Cofounder & Treasurer Ms. Sanjiya Shrestha oriented 18 students from different departments about the project. Mr. Joon Shakya - It & Creative Specialist who is also the lead of the dedicated team for the project 'Wings to Dreams' demonstrated his fellow colleagues about the mobile application that he developed. The dedicated team also had short introduction with their Supervisor Mr. Mirghendra Pradhan - one of the teachers of St. Xavier's College.
Inauguration of Resource Centre for Accessible Facilities
Resource Centre for Accessible Facilities was inaugurated in St. Xavier's College, Maitighar, Kathmandu on 17th March, 2023 - Friday in an event jointly organized by Chain For Change along with Expedición Solidaria, Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain and St. Xavier's College, Maitighar, Kathmandu.
Mr. Abhishek Shahi, Founder and President of Chain For Change, Ms. Sanjiya Shrestha, Cofounder and Treasurer, Mr. Joon Shakya, It and Creative Specialist, Father Principal Dr. Augustine Thomas S.J, Superior and Director of International Relations Fr. Jiju Varghese, S.J, Director of Loyola Campus Fr. Bobby Josef S.J, representative members of Expedición Solidaria Dr. Cristina Gomez Vicente and Dr. Guillermo Rodriguez Cortes, Board Members of CFC, Departmental heads and teachers from St. Xavier's College, Dr. Lakpa Sherpa, Principal of Laboratory Secondary School, Mrs. Mina Shrestha, Coordinator and Mrs. Samita Devi Shakya, Blind Section In charge, and invited guest attended this even
Taking 3D printer for Installation to the 'Resource Centre for Accessible Facilities'
On 9th March, 2023, the founders of Chain For Change took the 3D printer for the installation at its 'Resource Centre for Accessible Facilities' located at St. Xavier's College, Maitighar, Kathmandu. The 'Resource Center for Accessible Facilities' is an initiation by Chain For Change - CFC in collaboration with Expedición Solidaria, Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain and St. Xavier's College, Maitighar, Kathmandu under the project 'Wings to Dreams'.
Meeting with Partners
On 7th March, 2023 - Tuesday, Founders of Chain For Change in the leadership of Mr. Abhishek Shahi, Faculty members of St. Xavier's College, Maitighar in the leadership of Superior & Director of International Relations Fr. Jiju Varghese, S.J, and representative members of Expedición Solidaria Dr. Cristina Gomez Vicente and Dr. Guillermo Rodriguez Cortes along with Country Coordinator & Interpreter Ms. Sharmila Khadgi became a part of the meeting at LCR of St. Xavier's College. During the meeting, the Chain For Change and its collaborating partners discussed regarding the project 'Wings to Dreams' and planned to inaugurate the 'Resource Centre for Accessible Facilities'. After the meeting, the partners went to observe the room designated for the project implementation.
Dedicated Team Members 2023-2024
Victoria Olcina Marcos
Intern Design Instructor (2023 - 2024)
Valeria Muller Tofiño
Intern Architect for Accessibility (2023 - 2024)
Joon Shakya
Project Lead, 3D Design and App Development
Aayush Shrestha
3D Design & Printing
Abhishek Uprety
3D Design & Printing
Ankit Kumar Mishra
3D Design & Printing
Riwaj Prasai
App Development & 3D Design
Sanskriti Pokharel
Description Writer and Content Designer
Karmendra Prakash Shrestha
Project Secretary, Description Writer and Content Designer
Srijana Katwal
Content Designer and Media Content Creation
Khushi Subedi
Content Designer and Support
Romee Jijicha Sunuwar
Content Designer and Support
Sangam Khadka
Content Designer and Resource Management
Sambek Shahi
Content Designer and Resource Management
Rajshbi Bhari
Content Designer and Resource Management
Sweta Shakya
Content Designer and Support