Lucknow: Sarah Moin, known as the ‘Helen Keller of Lucknow’, has become a symbol of determination after scoring 95% in ICSE and an impressive 98.75% in ISC. Despite her academic excellence, the future of Sarah, who wishes to pursue BA (honours) in English literature in higher education, appears uncertain.The reason: The absence of a provision in the common university entrance test (CUET), gateway for admission to central and several state universities, to provide facilities required for candidates, who are both deaf and blind, for appearing in exams, said her father, Moin Ahmad Idrisi.Sarah’s father, who is also suffering from blood cancer, said “I have written to CUET authorities, the department of empowerment of persons with disabilities and the chief commissioner for persons with disabilities for a special provision for Sarah. The case will be heard online on Thursday.”He said that during CISCE board examinations, Sarah was allowed assistive tools such as a laptop with MS Word and an Orbit Reader that converts text into braille, enabling her to write independently.“We are only asking for a similar system,” he said. The CUET format already has provision to provide scribes to blind candidates and hearing-impaired candidates can attempt independently, he added.Educationist and general secretary of rehabilitation society of visually impaired, Rakesh Jain, said “Sarah’s case has brought attention to a critical gap in India’s inclusive education system, where policies exist but implementation for rare disability categories remains incomplete.”Educationist Amrita Dass said, “Since CISCE allowed her to appear independently using an Orbit Reader and compatible technology, it is imperative that the NTA urgently introduces similar provisions within the CUET system for visual-hearing impaired candidates.”Social activist Sunil Mangal said that it is disappointing that such talent is being held back due to lack of clear provisions in the guidelines.“Sarah should be given the opportunity as her marks speak for her and it is concerning that there are still loopholes in our education system. The CUET should consider her case and approve it,” said educationist Prof Nishi Pandey.
