Loshya Dicoth, a resident of Kadukutty village in Thrissur district of Kerala, is a person with low vision. For 35 years, she struggled with all aspects of daily living. Somehow she managed to complete her education and get a specialized training in accounting, with the hope of getting a job. But deteriorating vision didn’t help much with her independent dreams. She was married off to a person employed as a driver in a gas agency, and they have a daughter studying in Class V.
In the last five years, Loshya began to lose her eyesight rapidly, so she consulted a doctor at the Little Flower Hospital in Kochi. She was advised to use low vision aids like magnifying glass. At the hospital she also met with the Eyeway Helpdesk Counselor. Their conversation started with a simple question on availing disability pension to ease her financial woes. But recognizing her potential, the counselor decided to motivate and help her achieve more.
Loshya was introduced to assistive technology like screen readers to access computers and her smartphone. As she learned the new ways of functioning, the counselor helped her enroll on the employment exchange for possible job opportunities. She landed two interviews for field jobs which weren’t too viable given her impairment. Next, she was guided to prepare for competitive exams that would make her eligible for government jobs. Given her accounting and commerce background, she recently applied for a Probationary Officer’s post with the State Bank of India.
Whether it was demonstrating technology aids or looking for vacancies and preparing for interviews, Eyeway offered the much needed support to Loshya. Throughout, the counselor boosted her confidence and raised her aspirations. Had she not connected with us, Loshya would still be fighting her daily battles alone, not knowing that she is capable of attaining physical and economic independence.
Facebook comments