Printing press for the blind inaugurated in Oman

The Printing Press was inaugurated last week by His Excellency Homoud Bin Ahmad Alyahyani, the Head of Social Development in the Ministry of Social Affairs as well as Her Highness Sayida Alyiah Bint Thuwaini Al-Sayeed the Honorary President of Alnoor. A number of government representatives and dignitaries also attended the inauguration.

The Printing Press for the Blind was entirely funded by Oman Natural Liquid Gas company L.L.C. who continues to invest in social responsibility programs in Oman. NLG's representatives also attended the inauguration of the Press.

"The Printing Press will open new horizons for all blind people in Oman. We plan to produce Braille and audio books as well as our annual magazine and make them available to all interested blind individuals in the Sultanate", said Mrs. Barka Albakri, Vice President of Alnoor Institute in Oman.

The Printing Press also is utilizing software programs which converts digital text to audio MP3 or DAISY formats. DAISY format is the most advanced technology for the creation of fully searchable and accessible audio books. The Press is also utilizing two heavy duty Braille embossers one which specializes in large volume Braille text production and the other for high quality tactile graphics embossing. The Press is already in full production.