Fifty-six-year-old Tasneem Raja was born with Nystagmus, a visual condition causing involuntary eye movements, in Pune, Maharashtra. Her condition significantly impacted her ability to handle bright lights and move around independently from an early age.
Despite enrolling in school, Tasneem faced discrimination when a new principal forced her to discontinue her education in the 9th standard. The school had made no accommodations for her special needs, effectively cutting short her academic journey.
Life took another difficult turn when her marriage ended, forcing her to navigate life's challenges alone. Tasneem managed to maintain an independent lifestyle with hired help. However, as she grew older, accessing government benefits became essential. The process of applying for a Unique Disability Identity (UDID) card proved challenging due to her limited technical knowledge and mobility restrictions. For two years, she struggled to find assistance.
A turning point came when Tasneem discovered the Eyeway Helpdesk through a community WhatsApp group. The counsellor immediately stepped in to help, assisting with her online application and coordinating with the civil hospital for her medical assessment. This intervention finally resulted in her receiving the UDID card.
Though financially stable and currently living with her brother and sister-in-law, Tasneem's limited mobility continued to restrict her daily activities. With her UDID card, she gained access to government schemes and is now working with Eyeway to secure railway concessions.
Recognizing that financial security alone isn’t enough, the Eyeway counsellor emphasized mobility training as a crucial step towards greater independence. This guidance aims to help Tasneem reduce her reliance on others and gain more control over her daily life.
Team Eyeway