Often persons with disabilities end up confined in the four walls of their homes because the physical environment is not accessible and the societal mindset makes them feel unwelcome in the mainstream of things.

 
But have you ever wondered if these people are safe and happy in their homes and among their family?
 
28-year-old Tukaram Wakede is blind by birth. He lives with his visually impaired wife in a village in Nanded, Maharashtra. After his mother’s death in 2015, Tukaram was repeatedly harassed by his family. He was treated like a worthless member, despite the fact that he has been working against odds to pursue his graduation.
 
While his brother tried to kill him, Tukaram’s father denied him any right in the inheritance. A piece of land measuring four acres was entirely given away to the able-bodied brother, leaving Tukaram without a roof over his head.
 
Property disputes are not new in Indian families, but it is harder for a blind person to fight for his rights due to lack of confidence and resources.
 
When Tukaram contacted the Eyeway Helpdesk, he was scared, not just for his life but also for his future. At present he doesn’t have a source of income and he is aware that it’s not easy to secure employment with limited qualifications and a disability.
 
Our counselor explained the usual course of law that he could take, but of course it would be a long-drawn battle. Understanding his need for a quick resolution, sidestepping the red tapism, the Eyeway counselor collaborated with another NGO to help him.
 
Representatives from Eyeway Helpdesk in Mumbai and Campaign for Differently Abled organization in Delhi co-counselled Tukaram to stand up for his rights.
 
As a first step, they convinced him to take the matter to the District Collector of Nanded who in turn pressurised the village sarpanch to investigate the issue. Tukaram was also advised to gather a few villagers to speak up for him.
 
After two months of back and forth and follow ups with the sarpanch, Tukaram was granted his share of the land. In addition, the villagers loaned him two lakh rupees to build a house.
 
Collective organisational and public support has given him a chance to shape a future. But what about the thousands who succumb to ruthless discrimination? It is critical that grievance redressal mechanisms are widely advertised and made accessible as well as approachable for persons with disabilities.
 
Team Eyeway
 
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