A significant challenge for candidates with disabilities is obtaining a scribe on time and practicing with them to ensure they can understand, interpret, and write answers effectively within the time limit. This dependency often leaves them vulnerable. However, Riddhi Patil, a visually impaired student studying in Std XII at BMCC College in Pune, broke this chain of dependence by writing her own answers digitally and scoring an impressive 86.8% in the HSC board examination.
Journey to Independence
In Std XI, Riddhi began intensive typing practice and subsequently gave all her exams—including internal assessments, prelims, and finals—using Swalekhan Test. This is an accessible examination software developed by Uma Badve at Niwant Andh Mukta Vikasalaya. According to the school, Swalekhan Test is a fully accessible digital examination platform created specifically for visually impaired students, enabling them to type their answers independently without relying on scribes.
Overcoming Challenges
The traditional scribe system poses multiple hurdles. Scribes may not be available on time, and even when they are, students must invest considerable effort in training them to accurately capture and write the answers as intended. This process can be stressful and time-consuming, often affecting performance. Riddhi's achievement demonstrates how assistive technology can empower students with disabilities to overcome such barriers.
By mastering digital typing and using specialized software, Riddhi not only gained autonomy but also achieved excellent results. Her success story highlights the importance of accessible tools in education and serves as an inspiration for other students with similar challenges.
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