Lucknow: Sarah Moin, a deaf-blind meritorious student often referred to as the “Helen Keller of Lucknow”, will be provided with a laptop integrated with a refreshable Braille display to enable her to take the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG).The decision was taken by the office of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPwD) special court on Monday.“The matter was placed before the special court of CCPwD and later disposed of after issuing compliance directions to the examination authority. Officials confirmed that the examination scheduled for May 21 is likely to be postponed, with a revised date to be announced by NTA after finalising accessibility arrangements,” said her advocate, Amar Jain.He added that the guidelines for her to sit in the examination were there in both the Persons with Disability Act of 2013 and 2018 but were not implemented by the body due to lack of resources.Her other CUET exam, which is on May 29, will be conducted as per the schedule.A refreshable Braille display works by converting on-screen text into tactile Braille output using electronic pins that rise and fall in real time. It connects to a computer through USB or Bluetooth and allows blind or deaf-blind candidates to read questions line by line and respond using a Braille keyboard or compatible input device. It also supports screen reader integration for additional accessibility support.Jain stated that NTA will also ensure secure examination software and a controlled environment to prevent any disruption during the test. The system will be configured to maintain exam confidentiality while enabling independent access.“The special court has directed that the institutions must strengthen coordination for timely implementation of assistive technologies under disability rights provisions. It further emphasised standardised accessibility protocols for national-level entrance examinations to avoid delays in future cases,” said Jain.
