Lena Nargis was merely two years old when her parents discovered her loss of vision due to a retinal problem. Nonetheless, they wanted her to have a bright future with an equal access to education. Lena’s father became a key motivational force in her life.

She was enrolled in a special school from an early age, where she studied till Class 7. Lena’s family wanted her to gain exposure in a mainstream institution, so they admitted her into an integrated school. Here, she was fortunate to find support from teachers and pursue the regular CBSE syllabus. 

On a follow up visit to the Little Flower Hospital, Lena and her father were redirected to the Eyeway Helpdesk counselor stationed in the Low Vision Center. The father’s curiosity to learn about possibilities for his daughter to lead a better life, was evident in the interaction. The counselor was glad to answer their questions and offer solutions. 

Lena was advised to acquire computer skills with the help of screen reading software, which would enable her to read and write independently. She was put in touch with a computer trainer for the same. For accessible study material, both textual and leisurely readings, the counselor asked her to approach the Kerala Blind Federation. Lena was also recommended to join a rehabilitation center to improve her mobility and navigation skills, once the Covid situation improves. 

When asked if Lena could write her Class X exams on the computer instead of using a scribe, the Eyeway counselor explained the provisions mandated in the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016. In addition, he contacted the District Education Officer with a request on her behalf. The department assured full support. 

If things go as promised, Lena would become the third person in Kerala to write her exams independently. With proper training, adequate skills and support from family, blindness can cease being a barrier in an individual’s growth. 
 

Team Eyeway