In India, late blindness remains an issue that lacks support mechanisms and progressive opportunities. Five years back, when 40-year-old Gangadharappa lost his vision in a road accident, he could not come to terms with it and confined himself to his home for the following three years.

When he nearly exhausted all his savings, the survival of his wife and two children pushed him to look for alternatives. Prior to the accident, he was doing well as an Assistant Manager in a Bangalore based garments factory.

With the intent of becoming financially independent, Gangadharappa reached out to the Eyeway Helpdesk in Bangalore. Eyeway advised him to consider entrepreneurship as a viable economic option.

Our counselor informed him about various government aided entrepreneurship opportunities. He was then guided to complete the loan application process under Aadhar Yojana, a scheme under which persons with disabilities can avail a loan of up to 1 lakh rupees with 50% subsidy and a mobile phone to set up small businesses.

Over the next two years as Gangadharappa waited for the bank’s approval, Eyeway conducted regular counselling on various possibilities of living a complete life with blindness, helping him accept his disability and focus on moving forward. He was also encouraged to undergo mobility training.

After several follow-ups, the District Welfare Office granted the loan amount and an android phone. Eyeway then trained him on using the smartphone with talkback feature and other assistive touch apps for android.

With a grocery shop now set up, Gangadharappa’s greatest satisfaction is that he can again provide for his family like he used to.