Neelam’s story

When Learning Finds a Way – Neelam’s Story

“You have resolved many of our worries. Now we know Neelam can study and become something in life,” says her father.

Neelam was born with sight but a severe illness at age four changed everything. After days in Alwar’s district hospital with no improvement, she was referred to Jaipur. There, doctors discovered a blood clot in her brain. The surgery saved her life but caused her to lose her sight.

What followed was a painful journey across hospitals in Behror, Bhiwani, Alwar but her vision could not be restored. Accepting this new reality was difficult, especially as her family watched their once a lively child struggle with everyday tasks.

At six, she was enrolled in a nearby school after the principal, initially hesitant, agreed on the condition that she wouldn’t come alone. Though she couldn’t see the blackboard, Neelam continued studying with the help of her elder sisters.

Things began to change when she joined Sightsavers India’s Inclusive Education programme, supported by Indostar. The programme commits to promoting inclusive education for blind students and ensuring that visually impaired students have equal access to learning opportunities.

Through the programme she received a smartphone and attended training sessions in which she learnt to use TalkBack, a screen reader that reads text aloud. She was also introduced to digital platforms like Mission Gyan, E-Pathshala and YouTube.

Sightsavers India’s Inclusive Education Programme cNeelam adapted quickly. Today, she confidently navigates her phone, accesses learning materials on her own and studies like any other student. Her father, who accompanied her to the training, was moved to see other children with visual impairment thriving and it gave him hope that his daughter’s future was not lost.

Neighbours and relatives who once expressed sympathy now speak of her determination. She is a confident student with a strong will to learn.