For many people, opening a bank account or receiving an ATM card is a routine process. But for Khilluram Devagan from Chhattisgarh and Usha Rani Samal from Odisha, these everyday banking services became a struggle for dignity and equal treatment. Their experiences highlight how lack of awareness about disability rights can create barriers—and how the right guidance can turn those barriers into opportunities for independence.

Khilluram Devagan, a 26-year-old postgraduate from Rajnandgaon, has faced challenges since childhood. Despite losing access to mainstream schooling at an early age, he continued his education with determination. He learned Braille through support programmes and later developed computer skills during training at National Association for the Blind in Mumbai. After the passing of his father, Khilluram needed to manage family responsibilities, including overseeing their farm. For this, he opened an account at a district cooperative bank. However, when he requested an ATM card, the bank refused, wrongly citing his blindness as a reason.

A similar experience occurred for Usha Rani Samal, a 20-year-old college student from Odisha. While studying away from home, she needed access to banking facilities to manage her daily expenses. Yet when she approached a branch of State Bank of India, officials denied her an ATM card, assuming that a person with visual impairment could not use such services independently.

Both Khilluram and Usha turned to Eyeway for support. Through counselling and guidance, they were informed about official banking regulations that guarantee equal access to financial services for persons with visual impairment. With this information, they approached their banks again and explained the applicable guidelines.

Once the bank authorities understood the provisions, the situation changed. Both Khilluram and Usha received their ATM cards and were able to begin managing their finances independently.

Their experiences highlight an important truth: while laws supporting equality exist, awareness of these rights is often limited. Access to accurate information can transform situations of discrimination into moments of empowerment. For Khilluram and Usha, the ability to use an ATM was more than a convenience—it was a step toward financial independence and equal participation in everyday life.

Team Eyeway