Bhubaneswar, Nov. 23: The state government has decided to provide visually-impaired students doing their graduation courses with free laptops.

The laptops will be installed with JAW software that gives accessibility solution and can read information on the screen by using synthesised speech.

The laptops will be given to 120 students as part of International Day of Persons with Disabilities that falls on December 3.

"We aim to give them a conducive atmosphere and other facilities so that their academic life becomes easier. We have developed audio books in physics, chemistry, mathematics and biology for Plus Two students also," said Mansi Nimbhal, the director of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities department.

The state government has lined up a host of activities to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities (PWDs).

A two-day event will be held at Adivasi Ground from December 2 to 3 where different government and private organisations will set up kiosks. Voluntary agencies and other youth groups working for the empowerment of differently-abled people will also showcase products, schemes and other activities for the welfare of the differently-abled youths.

An "ability marathon" will be hosted on December 3 at the Kalinga Stadium where PWDs, senior citizens, professional athletes, school and college students as well as the general public will take part. Six Paralympians who made India proud by winning medals in the international sporting arena by overcoming their physical disabilities will also take part in the marathon.

Celebrity Odia singer Sona Mohapatra will perform on the occasion along with Paralympians Giriraj Singh, Amit Saroha and Jaideep Deswal.