The B.P.O. sector in India has seen tremendous growth, and is poised to grow even further. The doors of a new job opportunity have begun to open for persons with visual impairment and blindness. So why aren't more of them walking through them? Anjali Sen Gupta investigates

Reina Newton Tefs; Naples Sun Times; June 29, 2005

"I like to paint with bright colors because they are easier to see," Janet Ray explained at a reception on June 10. Ray started painting five years ago when she noticed a painting displayed at the Visually Impaired Persons of Southwest Florida (VIP) centre. To see the painting she had to put on her 'coke-bottle' glasses and step close to the wall. The artwork inspired her to give painting a whirl because she knew that the artist who created it was legally blind, like she was.

Jeff Branscome; Fredericksburg ( Virginia ); June 9, 2005

In Fredericksburg (Virginia, America), blind and visually impaired people can now keep up to date on local news and events by punching some numbers on the telephone.

http://www.danslenoir.fr/accueil_an/accueil_an.php; Paris

There is a very unusual restaurant in Paris called Dans le Noir? (or In the Dark?) in the Marais district. The whole point of eating there is to alter your senses and your sensibilities. You and your companions eat in darkness and are served by blind waiters.

A.T.M.s for visually impaired users get noticed

Tracy Kitten; http://atmmarketplace.com/news_story_23359.htm; June 8, 2005

Audio-enabled A.T.M.s, or automated teller machines, have been on the market for a while, but A.T.M. users rarely run across them. Some financial institutions have initiated pilots but most of those initiatives have fallen off the radar.

Rumu Banerjee, Times News Network, New Delhi; June 17, 2005

Express News Service

Delhi , powered by an experienced player like Sushil Gaur emerged the champion, outplaying Uttar Pradesh in the final of the Fourth Visually Impaired Cricket Tournament held at K.D. Singh 'Babu' stadium, in Lucknow , on June 6. Later, at the prize distribution function, Justice Jagdish Bhalla gave away the prizes to the winners. Man of the Series went to Alok Singh of Uttar Pradesh and Sushil Gaur of Delhi .

Puneet Singh Gill; Ludhiana; June16, 2005

Four Indian visually-challenged athletes -- Gurpreet Singh, Rajinder Singh, Vivek Monga and Balwinder -- have notched impressive victories at the British Open Athletic Meet held in Manchester . They have won three gold medals and one bronze in this prestigious competition. The meet, which began on June 5, concluded on June 12.

Talking on phone from Mumbai, Gurpreet Singh said, "We are more than satisfied with our performance at the meet since all four of us won a medal each."

He manages two businesses in Kolkata, is the author of several well-known books, and has been honoured with several awards. He is also India 's first visually impaired chartered accountant. Meet Dilip Loyalka, a self-made man.

Dilip Loyalka's visual impairment has not made any difference to his life. On the other hand, his life has been a source of unending inspiration to others. By his own example, he teaches them the meaning of confidence and independence, and the value of determination and hard work.