Thirty-two-year-old Sachin Bansal is a person with late blindness who hails from Morena, Madhya Pradesh. He was born sighted but in an accident in 2015, he lost most of his vision, and was left with some light perception. He had completed his Class XII and was pursuing his first year of college at the time. But due to the adverse turn of events, he had to discontinue his education.
Apart from his personal challenges, he was also faced with familial difficulties. His father passed away, mother took to severe illness, leaving the burden of running the household on his brother. Sachin got in touch with the Eyeway Helpdesk for guidance on living life with blindness but despite the continued counselling and advice to step out and enrol for a rehabilitative training, Sachin refused to leave the confines of his home. 
The journey of coping with late blindness is tough because not only does the person have to acquire new skills and ways of doing the same things but also learn to accept this life-altering situation.
Looking for better work opportunities, the brother moved the family to Agra in Uttar Pradesh. Here, Sachin made some friends who convinced him to learn some massage techniques and found him a job in a local barber shop. However, he still lacked the confidence to interact or explore options to sustain himself. Refusing to shoulder his responsibility, the brother ousted Sachin from their home, forcing him to take shelter in a religious home. 
When Sachin called Eyeway for help again, our Advocacy Officer took upon herself to call him to Delhi and find a suitable training centre. Sachin immediately moved to a free hostel for the blind in Delhi and came to see the Eyeway team in person. Understanding his potential and the dire circumstances, the Advocacy Officer spoke with the Blind Relief Association (BRA), urging the Principal to make room for him in the Multi-Skill Training program. 
Sachin enrolled in the BRA course where candidates learn mobility, basic computer, and other skills for daily living. In addition they are also taught some vocational skills. Sachin enhanced his massage skills here and participated in the annual Diwali Mela that takes place on the BRA campus. This event gave him a chance to demonstrate his skills as a masseuse and earn accolades and income from happy customers. 
This intervention and continuous counselling has boosted his confidence. Staying at BRA, he has also resumed his higher studies. Redirecting persons with vision impairment to rehabilitative programmes, skill training and opportunities of education prepares them for thriving in the mainstream. From a point of utter despair and hopelessness, Sachin has moved forward towards building aspirations for a wholesome and independent life. 
Team Eyeway