Lucknow girl, Sarah Moin, has defied the odds to achieve academic excellence, scoring a remarkable 95% in her ICSE class X exams. What makes this achievement even more extraordinary is that Sarah is blind, deaf, and speech-impaired. Her story is a testament to the power of unwavering determination, supportive family, dedicated educators, and assistive technology.

Born with vision impairment, Sarah gradually lost her hearing after grade 3. Despite her challenges, Sarah's thirst for knowledge never diminished. However, her previous school wasn't equipped to support her needs. Determined to see their daughter flourish, Sarah's parents, Julie Hamid and Moin Ahmad Idrisi, took her for specialized treatment and continued her education at home using Braille.

A turning point came when Sarah met Principal Rakesh Chattree of Christ Church College, Lucknow. Recognizing her potential, Chattree offered her admission to a special class led by the dedicated Salman Ali Qazi. Here, Sarah thrived in a supportive environment alongside other differently-abled students.

Technology played a key role in Sarah's success. An "orbit reader," a unique device combining a book reader, note-taker, and Braille display, became her window to knowledge. Her textbooks were scanned and converted into digital files, allowing Sarah to access them through the Braille keyboard of her laptop.

Communication remained a hurdle, but Sarah and her family found a way. Sarah would communicate by drawing words on their hands using her fingers. Her mother, Julie, a teacher herself, patiently revised her lessons by forming alphabets with her fingers, which Sarah would decipher and assemble into sentences.

Sarah's brother, Zohaib Ahmad, a law student, also chipped in, ensuring a strong support system at home. Their collaborative efforts ensured Sarah's understanding of complex concepts, evident in her stellar scores - 99 in geography, 97 in chemistry, 92 in biology, and 89 in physics.

Sarah's story is an inspiration to all. It demonstrates that with the right tools, support, and an unwavering spirit, even the most significant disabilities can be overcome. Her journey highlights the critical role of inclusive education, dedicated teachers, and the transformative power of technology in empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve their dreams. Sarah's determination to pursue a career in science serves as a beacon of hope, reminding us that no obstacle is insurmountable on the path to knowledge.

(Note: India accounts for around 20% of the global blind population. Project Eyeway is an initiative by Score Foundation that acts as a one-stop knowledge resource for those people who are living their lives with blindness. Eyeway operates a national toll-free Helpdesk — 1800 53 20469.)