God sent your team for me

By Shankar Reddy

Reading Braille

I work as a Telugu teacher in the Zilla Parishad High School at Budwel in Andhra Pradesh. My father had night blindness and it was my bad luck that among all my siblings, only I inherited this disorder. While I was doing my Intermediate, my vision started decreasing, even during the day. By the time I completed my teacher’s training in 1997, I was 98% blind

I have been coming to the LVP rehabilitation centres since my intermediate. Whatever I am today, it is because of them. They explained my condition to me and encouraged me to be independent. The walking stick they gave me is like a magic wand — when I held it in my hand, I got my life back! Laxman sir was so patient with me while training that today I can travel anywhere. In my home town I move about comfortably late in the night also. With the self-confidence I have gained here, I take classes for 10th graders there. I am up to date with the current news and usually the first one in my school to learn about global events. I attribute all this to my trainers in LVP's rehab centre and the doctors of the Institute. I feel that God sent your team to me. They are the living gods for people like me

learning how to use the white cane

Last year I had to undergo retina surgery. The doctors were most helpful. My eyesight has improved a bit and I can see objects as shadows. Everywhere people are helpful making life easier for me. My wife helped me complete my postgraduation and helps me prepare for my classes. I hope the rehab centre at the Institute develops an audio library for lessons for all classes like the one I heard exists in Kadapa!