Don’t expect any discounts when it comes to smartphones, especially mainstream devices. These aren’t considered assistive or blindness-related technology — particularly with brands like Google and Apple. In India, the system is extremely slow and wrapped in bureaucracy. Things rarely move in favor of persons with disabilities without a long wait or unnecessary hurdles. We live in a sighted world, not one designed for the blind, and expecting quick or fair treatment often leads to being stuck in limbo.
On Sat, Jun 21, 2025, 20:40 Mujtaba Merchant <[email protected]> wrote: > Hi, > > > > I'm interested in knowing more about the schemes for distributing > smartphones at discounted rates in Karnataka. I'm planning to buy an iPhone > 16E, and I'd love to explore options that can make it more affordable. If > there are any organizations or government initiatives that offer discounts > or subsidies for individuals with disabilities, please let me know. I'm > open to paying half the price if there's a legitimate scheme I can avail of. > > > > Thanks for your help! > > > > *From:* [email protected] <[email protected]> *On > Behalf Of *[email protected] > *Sent:* 21 June 2025 08:16 PM > *To:* [email protected] > *Subject:* RE: [AI] Request for Lobbying Disability Discounts on > Smartphones for the Blind Community > > > > Claiming concessions for disability-specific products is alright. But > demanding discounts on smart phones and other general products doesn’t seem > fair. As per my knowledge, most of the states and organisations > distribute smart phones and other accessories at free of cost or discounted > rate. > > > > > > *From:* [email protected] <[email protected]> *On > Behalf Of *Nirmal Verma > *Sent:* Saturday, June 21, 2025 9:09 AM > *To:* [email protected] > *Subject:* Re: [AI] Request for Lobbying Disability Discounts on > Smartphones for the Blind Community > > > > Smartphones in ADIP scheme are absolute pieces of crap. Blindness > Organisations must come together and ask for better deals.. > lower price coupled with loans and EMI’s will make the deal sweeter and > companies will also see lot of value in that as their sales Will grow. > > > Nirmal Verma > > > > > > > > On Sat, 21 Jun 2025 at 9:03 AM, Srinivasu Chakravarthula < > [email protected]> wrote: > > I would rather prefer we lobby to make affordable phones made accessible. > Android has evolved greatly. It’s app developers who need to ensure their > apps are accessible. I’m told that Android has a mechanism to send an > accessibility report when an app is published on play store b > > > > That said Government’s ADIP scheme includes smart phones and laptops. > > > > Best, > > —Srinivasu > > > > Sent from Outlook for iOS <https://aka.ms/o0ukef> > ------------------------------ > > *From:* [email protected] <[email protected]> > on behalf of Mujtaba Merchant <[email protected]> > *Sent:* Friday, June 20, 2025 10:30:05 PM > *To:* AccessIndia Google Group <[email protected]> > *Subject:* [AI] Request for Lobbying Disability Discounts on Smartphones > for the Blind Community > > > > I am reaching out to discuss a pressing concern for the blind community in > India. As you may be aware, smartphones like iPhones have become essential > tools for independent living, enabling access to information, > communication, and various assistive technologies. > > > > However, the high cost of these devices poses a significant barrier for > many individuals in the blind community. Given the challenges in gaining > employment and financial constraints, it becomes increasingly difficult for > them to afford these technologies. > > > > In light of this, I was wondering if we could lobby for disability > discounts on smartphones and related devices. This would greatly enhance > the accessibility and affordability of these life-changing technologies for > the blind community. > > > > I believe it would be beneficial to bring this issue to the attention of > the Indian government and explore possible solutions. By working together, > we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals who rely on > these technologies for independence and empowerment. > > > > Thank you for considering this request. I look forward to hearing your > thoughts on this matter. > > Sincerely, > > > > *Mujtaba Merchant* > > Bangalore | INDIA > > Sent from my iPhone ® > *Help support my causes:* NVDA > <https://www.nvaccess.org/support-us/#donation-support> | Billion Strong > <https://www.billion-strong.org/donate-today/> | EyeWay > <http://eyeway.org.in/?q=donate-0> > > > > -- > Disclaimer: > 1. Contents of the mails, factual, or otherwise, reflect the thinking of > the person sending the mail and AI in no way relates itself to its veracity; > > 2. 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