48-year-old Sheriff Menon lives in Goregoan, Mumbai. Despite being visually impaired from an early age, he is an independent and contributing member of his joint family.

Sheriff was allotted a PCO booth in 1998 under the disabled scheme by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. The cellular phone revolution happened soon after and he switched to selling mobile accessories, recharge coupons etc. To enhance his earnings, he installed a computer, hired a sighted assistant and started offering internet based services to locals.

However, coronavirus and the lockdown affected his business adversely. The shop closed down for three months, the assistant went back to his village and Sheriff exhausted his limited savings. Even after the recent relaxations to boost economic activities, the footfall has been very low.

This has left Sheriff struggling to meet his daily expenses. Apart from food, electricity and rent, there are medical needs as he suffers from diabetes and hypertension.

Inconsistent ration and medical supplies have caused him mental stress, further impacting his physical well-being. After twenty-two years of self-sustenance, the pandemic has forced Sheriff to seek help from others.

Several self-employed blind people across India have lost their livelihood to Covid-19. They have to rely on government or individual aid to feed their families. How long can they sustain such a precarious existence?

Eyeway is trying to assist as many as we can. If you would like to contribute, please click the link below to donate.

http://scorefoundation.org.in/get-involved/

Team Eyeway