Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Ministry of Preschool and School Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan (MPSE) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the Innovation Product Test-Bed Project.

This project aims to introduce innovative products certified by KOICA to Uzbekistan's education sector, using them as a test-bed for global market validation. The selected product for this initiative is the “Dot Pad,” the world’s first smart tactile graphics display designed for visually impaired individuals.

The Dot Pad enables users to access visual content from any source through Braille, providing a touch-based learning experience. While resembling a regular tablet PC, the Dot Pad is tailored for educational purposes, converting input letters or images into tactile Braille that students can feel and interpret.

As part of the MoU, KOICA provided 30 Dot Pads to MPSE. Additionally, it includes training sessions led by the device’s manufacturer to equip MPSE teachers with the skills to effectively use the Dot Pad. Most of these devices will be distributed to schools for students who have visual impairments.

These students, educated at such schools by teachers are studying through Braille textbooks, but they have faced significant challenges due to the lack of viewing materials such as pictures and photos. The introduction of the Dot Pad is expected to address these issues, enhancing learning opportunities for this underserved group.