Campus Times | Lucknow 

In a significant step towards inclusive education, the office of the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (CCPWD) has directed the National Testing Agency (NTA) to provide a laptop integrated with a refreshable Braille display for Sarah Moin, a deaf-blind student from Lucknow, to appear in the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG).

The decision was taken by the CCPWD special court on Monday after concerns were raised over the lack of assistive technology arrangements for Sarah’s examination. According to her advocate, Amar Jain, the examination scheduled for May 21 is likely to be postponed, while the CUET exam on May 29 will be conducted as per schedule with the required accessibility support.

Jain said disability rights provisions under the Persons with Disabilities Act already mandate such accommodations, but implementation was delayed due to resource constraints.

The refreshable Braille display system converts on-screen text into tactile Braille output through electronic pins that rise and fall in real time. Connected through USB or Bluetooth, the device allows deaf-blind candidates to independently read questions and respond using a Braille keyboard or compatible input system. It also supports screen-reader integration for enhanced accessibility.

A story of extraordinary determination

Sarah Moin, recently secured 98.75 per cent in the ISC Class 12 examinations, emerging as the topper in the humanities stream at Christ Church College, Lucknow. She scored full marks in geography and mass media and communication, along with 98 in English and 97 in science.

Teachers and classmates often refer to her as the “Helen Keller of Lucknow” for overcoming immense physical challenges with determination and academic excellence.

Diagnosed with sarcoidosis at a young age, Sarah gradually lost her hearing after Grade 3 and later her ability to communicate conventionally. Before every examination, her mother, Julie Hamid, would patiently trace letters on her palm, helping her visualise words and concepts.