Twenty-seven-year old Rumana lives with her parents in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. At two, she began losing her eyesight which made it difficult for her to enroll in a regular school. But Rumana’s parents requested the school to admit her on the condition that they will help her cope. Gradually, Rumana discovered her keenness to learn new things. But with her low vision, it was a struggle to read the blackboard or books or even write. With the help of classmates and family, she somehow managed to finish Class XII.

But higher studies seemed out of question. Her vision had gone from bad to worse, mobility and independent travel to a college was a considerable challenge. So her parents thought it best for her to stay at home while they provided for her.

Fourteen years passed away in confinement. Recently, after Rumana’s father suffered a paralytic attack, the family came under financial distress as he was the sole breadwinner. Desperate to get a job to ease their woes, Rumana came across a message about Eyeway on Hamari Vaani, an audio messaging platform for persons with disabilities.

She called to seek help with job opportunities for the blind. On engaging further with her, our counselor realised that she needed training to become employable. National Association for the Blind in Lucknow was the nearest resource to help her acquire the necessary skills. Unfortunately, all physical training programmes are closed due to the pandemic. And Rumana is unable to join the online courses as she doesn’t have access to a smartphone or computer.

With Covid-19, some of the existing solutions offered to the callers by Eyeway have become ineffective. In such a scenario, there is an urgent need to create alternatives that can service the needs of the blind population.

Is it fair that a young girl lost out on most of her growing up years because of a lack of awareness? And now she might lose a few more because of a lack of access to digital devices.

And sadly she is not alone. Like her, there are millions who remain in the dark.

If you would like to help by contributing towards digital aid for visually impaired people across India, please write to us on eyeway.org@gmail.com. To know more about us, visit scorefoundation.org.in

Team Eyeway