Latha Janet

Latha Janet with Sruthika

“My name is Latha Janet and I am a specialist teacher in south India. I was born blind but I never let it hold me back. Although I went to a blind school for a bit and learnt Braille, I preferred studying in a mainstream school, and switched back the next year. I was treated like any other child. I felt at home and enjoyed more freedom in the company of the other children.

Being a specialist teacher means I help other visually impaired children to study in mainstream schools. I visit two blind and six low-vision children at five different schools and also at home. Sometimes I take the bus if a school is on the route, otherwise I take an auto rickshaw.

I think being blind helps me to teach the children, as we can understand each other better. I help blind children develop the self-confidence to be part of society, rather than be isolated.

Latha Janet with her children

I help Sruthika to learn pre Braille skills at her local school. She is only four, and is settling in well there and has made many friends. I also help her classroom teacher to support her in the classroom. I visit Sruthika at home three times a week to teach her how to brush her teeth, wash herself and get around the place. Her mother wants me to teach her Braille too so she can help Sruthika study.

When I get home after work I'll do the washing, and then help the children with their homework. I correct their work by listening to them, and my sister helps to correct any written work. Then I'll prepare my lessons for the next day, and type up my notes in Braille. Life is always busy!”