When Haseeb Jabbar was told at school that computer science would be “too hard” for him because he was blind, many might have expected him to lower his ambitions. Instead, Haseeb proved the doubters wrong. This summer, he proudly graduated from De Montfort University with a degree apprenticeship in digital and technology solutions.
From teaching himself to code at 13 with the support of screen readers, to overcoming accessibility barriers at school and later excelling at university, Haseeb’s journey is a powerful reminder that talent thrives when it is given a chance. Today, he is working as a DevOps engineer, supporting developers and helping to maintain cloud environments – a role at the cutting edge of technology.
His story shines a light on two important truths. First, that blind and partially sighted people can achieve at the highest levels when barriers are removed. Second, that often, it doesn’t take huge systemic change to make a difference – just small, thoughtful adjustments.
At university, when lecturers realised that screenshots of code could not be read by Haseeb’s screen reader, they quickly adapted by converting them into accessible text. That one small step gave him equal access to the material and helped him thrive.
This is where each of us comes in. Whether you are a teacher, employer, colleague, or service provider, you have the power to make change. By asking the question, “Is this accessible for everyone?”, and by being willing to adapt, you help unlock potential that might otherwise go unseen.
As Seema Flower, founder of Blind Ambition, says:
“Accessibility is rarely about doing something extraordinary – it is about being willing to make small changes that allow others to show just how extraordinary they already are.”
At Blind Ambition, we know these adjustments don’t just happen by chance – they happen when people are supported to understand accessibility. If you are an education provider or organisation that wants to make your systems more accessible, please reach out to us. We can provide training for staff and education teams, including simulation exercises that allow people to experience the challenges faced by blind and partially sighted students. This benefits not only those students, but the whole learning community.
Haseeb’s story is not just one of personal triumph. It’s a call to action for all of us. By making adjustments – large or small – we create a society where more people can flourish, contribute, and succeed.
