Learning wisely with a little help

Gurnaaz Kaur

Around this time, every year, parents, children and schools are not only in vacation mode but also celebratory mode; courtesy — annual result. 

While newspapers and TV channels flash names of those who have topped the 10th or 12th boards, we probably miss out on the victory of those students who manage to score well even with learning disabilities. For them, even 70 per cent is a score as big as 98 per cent. “These students may have learning disabilities but they are as bright and talented as any other child of their age. Information and awareness has made it easy for us to explain masses that learning disabilities are related to academics; it is not connected with mental retardation. These kids do need extra care and effort but they can definitely overcome the problem if given right guidance at the right time,” explains Navjeet Kaur, counsellor and coordinator at Anugrah Shiksha Kendra.

This centre, the first such space for kids with learning disabilities in the city, was started by Sharda Rangrajan, and today, after over 20 years, she says they have come a long way from where they began. “Initially, it was a challenge to explain parents that there was nothing wrong with their children. There was a time when even schools did not know how to handle such cases but today, schools and organisations like ours work hand-in-hand to uplift the special students.” 

Lauding the results of two of her students, one from class 10th and other from 12th who have scored 82 per cent and 72 per cent, respectively, Sharda shares how big an achievement it is for the centre, parents and schools. “To bring our kids this far, my teachers have literally burnt the midnight oil. We go by 1:1 student-teacher ratio. From building a rapport with the student, to preparing notes for him, it is the responsibility that teachers take upon themselves,” she tells. 

Navjeet, further explains the complete process. “Students are mostly referred to us by hospitals or sent by school counsellors. We have around 20-22 students currently. Their disability ranges between dyslexia, dyscalculia or dysgraphia. To determine the problem area, we begin with observing the student for a month. From his performance in school to participation in the activities we conduct, it’s all about finding out where the kid needs help. Once we have found out, we design a work plan for three months. Then, when the student gets comfortable with the teachers and we know enough about him, we start with school syllabus and apply remedies to help him overcome the disability,” she tells.

While both Sharda and Navjeet appreciate the forthcoming and helpful approach of schools, they do express that other parents need to be made aware about these kids. 

She feels there is still need for a proper channel to identify LD students and send them to centres like theirs. “Another thing that should be a must is prevalence of special educators in each school. We are there to help these students after school but more teachers need to be trained to support such students during their journey in a school,” she adds.

Maybe, we still need constant reminders that men of eminence such as Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison and Leonardo da Vinci had dyslexia and despite that they were geniuses. Taare Zameen Par was a huge step of realisation towards our misconstrued concepts of learning disabilities and with the success stories of centres like Anugrah, we can get our facts right and think of ways to be a supportive society.

[email protected]